New wide receiver coach brings NFL experience
Wide receiver coach Chris Gragg gives signals to the Wildcats special teams during a non-conference game against McKinney (Tex.) on Aug. 28. He spent time playing in the NFL and for the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Wide Receiver coach, Chris Gragg, is a new addition to the football coaching staff. Gragg played for Warren High School before going on to play for the Arkansas Razorbacks. After playing for the Razorbacks for four years, he then went on to the National Football League (NFL) to play for the Buffalo Bills for three years.
When Gragg played with the Arkansas Razorbacks, he totaled 72 receptions for 1,003 receiving yards. In the NFL he accumulated 24 total receptions for 251 yards, according to NFL Reference.
Players believe Gragg brings excitement to practices and games, as he is always supportive and energized.
“He comes with a lot of energy to practice and makes us want to play for him,” senior wide receiver Ethan Fender said.
The coaching style of high school football has greatly changed since Coach Gragg has been in high school.
“It’s a lot more structured and detailed,” he said. “I feel like back when I was in high school, it wasn’t as structured as it is now. Coach Wood does a great job of trying to make sure we’re always trying to get better at everything,”
Many players claim Gragg is a hype man and a great mentor for the receiving core. Due to his NFL experience, players like junior wide out Bliyge Cook look up to him as a leader for developing their skills.
“He’s a good mentor, and he is very helpful,” Cook said. “I think that he is a really good coach.”