Cunningham 'a big anchor' on Hogs' O-line

Arkansas offensive lineman Myron Cunningham is shown during practice Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, in Fayetteville.

FAYETTEVILLE — Initially, adding weight to his frame during the offseason proved to be a bit of a challenge for Myron Cunningham.

A redshirt senior left tackle entering his second season with the Razorbacks after a stint at Iowa Central Community College, Cunningham played between 290-295 pounds last fall. But he was one of the biggest winners on Arkansas’ offensive line in terms of positive weight gains this spring and summer.

On the team’s updated roster, Cunningham is listed at 325 pounds. He and sophomore Ricky Stromberg have both noted that 328 pounds would probably be more accurate two weeks into the preseason.

“I’ve kind of gotten used to it,” Cunningham said of his weight Monday during a Zoom conference with reporters. “I’m still moving good. I'm still light on my feet and everything. I think I'm fine."

He credits the additional weight to time spent at home amid the covid-19 outbreak. In that time, Cunningham said, he was simply eating more and had fewer workouts. He started cooking for himself, too.

“I definitely got stronger since then — a lot stronger — and it (really) helps,” he added. “I know (Sam) Pittman's referenced it before about sitting on the bull rush and pass pro. It definitely helps.

“It makes a big difference in run blocking. It's way easier.”

Prior to the start of preseason practices, Pittman, who is thought of as one of the best offensive line coaches in the country, said Cunningham needed to add every bit of that weight.

As the Razorbacks gear up for their first scrimmage of training camp Friday, he is the projected starter at left tackle. He started seven games at the position last season, including the final five.

“He worked hard at gaining that weight and staying shape,” Pittman said. “I had a nice conversation with him, and I’m thinking he’s going to have a nice season.”

Cunningham started 10 of 11 games played in 2019, missing only the Texas A&M matchup in Arlington, Texas. He was on the field for every offensive snap in eight games and allowed only one sack in nearly 400 plays in pass protection.

His best game, in terms of pass protection grade, came on the road against Alabama (87.8), according to Pro Football Focus.

Defensive end Dorian Gerald, who has returned to Arkansas’ first unit following a neck injury in the 2019 season opener, said Cunningham has performed well in camp. The two never squared off last year, but they now battle one another on a daily basis.

“Myron definitely stands out to me,” Gerald said. “Myron’s a standout to me in my eyes. I think he’s a big anchor on the offensive line.”

Last week, Cunningham was one of three Arkansas players named to the initial Reese’s Senior Bowl watch list. Running back Rakeem Boyd and quarterback Feleipe Franks were also among the 73 SEC players listed.

“I think he's going to be really good this year,” said Stromberg, a starting guard last season who is taking the bulk of the reps at center with the first-team offense. “I think he's going to be really good. He just has to keep practicing.”