Will Gragg Commits to Arkansas: What 4-Star TE Brings to Razorbacks

Arkansas continues to piece together the foundation for a formidable passing attack during the 2015 recruiting cycle. That effort was bolstered Tuesday morning when coveted tight end prospect Will Gragg  pledged to the Razorbacks:

The 6'4", 245-pound Dumas High School playmaker opted to stay in his home state after weighing offers from several SEC squads. Gragg, rated eighth nationally among tight ends in 247Sports' composite rankings, was heavily pursued by the likes of LSU, Alabama and Ole Miss.

His older brother, Chris, suited up for the Razorbacks in college and is now a member of the Buffalo Bills. A well-established relationship with the program helped set the stage for his announcement.

"Arkansas has been on me since the ninth grade," Gragg told Otis Kirk of 247Sports.com.

Rated second among 2015 Arkansas recruits, he emerged as a must-have for head coach Bret Bielema. The Razorbacks are aiming to fend off conference foes in the fight for in-state talent, and this commitment provides positive momentum in that department.

Gragg led Pine Bluff High School in receiving as a junior before his transfer, catching 31 passes for 321 yards and five touchdowns, per Hootens.com. He collected six receptions for 88 yards and two scores last Friday with coaches from LSU, Ole Miss and Texas in attendance, according to 247Sports.com.

His skill set was on full display this summer at The Opening, an invite-only high school football showcase held at Nike's world headquarters in Oregon. Gragg flashed quickness and precision as a route-runner, routinely beating top-tier defenders to the football downfield.

"I want to be a balanced tight end who can make big plays at different parts of the field," Gragg said at The Opening. "I've been working on my game to get ready for what's coming. I think there's been a lot of improvement."

He provides Arkansas with a promising pass target who carries potential for an early impact. Given his physique and fundamental polish, Gragg should contend for significant playing time as a true freshman in Fayetteville.

The Razorbacks gain an athletic specimen who brings balance to the position. When at his best, Gragg is a devastating blocker who can create rushing lanes along the outside edge and take on linebackers at the second level.

He adds to a stockpile of offensive talent set to arrive at Arkansas next season. Top-rated in-state prospect K.J. Hill is a dynamic wide receiver who chose the Razorbacks over Alabama, Florida and Notre Dame.

He and Gragg have formed a friendship and could form a dangerous duo for years to come. 

Their pairing is great news for Ty Storey, a 4-star quarterback who committed to Arkansas last summer. He threw for 4,200 yards and 52 touchdown passes last season.

The Razorbacks are particularly deep at tight end, holding commitments from four potential players at the position. Jamario Bell may be best-suited for defensive end, while Austin Cantrell and C.J. O'Grady could opt to explore options elsewhere.

A June commitment from Texas running back Rawleigh Williams III and multiple reinforcements on the offensive line make this a recruiting class that could rapidly reshape the identity of a Razorbacks offense searching for additional explosiveness. The group now rates 19th nationally in 247Sports' composite team rankings.

Bielema is fortifying his team with homegrown talent, and Gragg gives him one of the best available this year.

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.

Quotes obtained firsthand by B/R national recruiting analyst Tyler Donohue unless otherwise noted.

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