2018 FloXC Countdown: #13 Arkansas Men
2018 FloXC Countdown: #13 Arkansas Men
The Razorbacks lose their top three finishers from 2017, but bring back track All-American Cameron Griffith.
Follow our 2018 FloXC Countdown, where FloTrack ranks the top 25 cross country teams and individuals in the NCAA this season which will be LIVE on FloTrack. And, be sure to watch our LIVE FloXC Podium Reveal Show Tuesday, September 11th at 10 AM CT. The No. 13 men’s spot goes to Arkansas and here's why:
Probable Top Seven:
SR Cameron Griffin (7:49 3K; 13:52 5K; 86th at ‘17 NCAA XC, 48th at ‘16 NCAA XC)
JR Gilbert Boit (8:19 3K; 13:50 5K; 29:13 10K)
FR Ryan Murphy (8:25 3K; 14:39 5K; 29:18 10K
SO Matt Young (8:08 3K; 14:13 5K; 29:30 10K; 116th at ‘17 NCAA XC)
JR Kyle Levermore (8:08 3K; 14:16 5K; 9:01 3K SC)
SR Ethan Moehn (3:44 1500; 14:22 5K; 225th at ‘17 NCAA XC)
JR Preston Cates (8:27 3K; 14:34 5K; 30:38; 28th at ‘16 DII NCAA XC)
Impact Freshmen/Transfers:
N/A
Analysis:
The Razorbacks were hit hard by graduation, losing their top three from a squad that placed fifth in 2017. Those losses drop them out of the pre-season top ten, but the Razorbacks are expected to be relevant in 2018. Behind the top three, runners four through seven are back from last year’s team in Louisville.
Leading the team will be Cameron Griffin. Only 86th in 2017, he was just off All-American placing in 2016 taking 48th as a sophomore. He’s been even more impressive on the track, breaking 7:50 in 3000m, 14 minutes in the 5000m and finishing eighth at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in the 1500m.
Gilbert Boit transferred to Arkansas last spring after competing for Tennessee Tech. With a 13:50 5000m PR, he should help fill the gap left by the departing seniors of 2017.