Preseason nods for Razorback baseball

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Junior Andy Wilkins was selected to the 2010 Louisville Slugger pre-season All-American Third Team as selected by Collegiate Baseball when the publication released its pre-season honors Monday. The University of Arkansas baseball team was also slotted No. 23 in the Collegiate Baseball Fabulous 40 NCAA Division I pre-season poll.

"This is a great place for us to start the season," head coach Dave Van Horn said. "Obviously, our goals are a lot higher as a team this season, but this gives us a starting point and the guys should be motivated to get higher in the rankings as the season goes on."

Coming off a run to the 2009 College World Series, the sixth trip in program history, and a third-place national finish, the Razorbacks will begin their eighth season under Van Horn. Arkansas finished last season in the top 10 of several publication rankings, including a No. 4 position in the final Collegiate Baseball poll.

Last season, Wilkins led Arkansas with a .319 batting average, 19 home runs, 58 RBI and 18 doubles. During the Razorbacks’ postseason run, he was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Norman Regional in which he tallied a .750 batting average, five doubles, two home runs, 11 RBI and five runs scored. Following his season, Wilkins was named a member of the 2009 USA National (Collegiate) baseball team.

"Andy is very deserving of preseason All-American honors," Van Horn said. "What he’s done here in the past two seasons has been a big lift for us. He put together a tremendous season last year and finished strong with big power numbers and his defense has really improved over the years. Then he went on to do a great job with Team USA during the summer. We will lean on him this season and expect big things on and off the field."

In the preseason top-40 poll, the Razorbacks are one of seven Southeastern Conference teams represented with the remaining five teams all receiving votes. Wilkins was one of 10 SEC players recognized as pre-season All-Americans.

By team vote, Wilkins, Zack Cox and James McCann were selected the team captains for the 2010 season. Arkansas opens the 2010 season Feb. 19-21 with a three-game series against Ball State at Baum Stadium. The Razorbacks’ first seven games will be played on their home field. For more information about Razorback baseball, visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com.