Check out every Razorbacks player and coach to earn All-SEC honors

E Wayne
·3 min read

Arkansas has just been a different program under Dave Van Horn’s watch. And the 2023 may have been his best coaching job in 21 years at the program’s helm.

The league noticed, too, as Van Horn was named SEC Coach of the Year on Monday. Arkansas won the SEC West for the seventh time and fourth since 2018 this year. His Razorbacks will carry the No. 2-seed into this week’s SEC Tournament.

Van Horn previously won the award in 2004 and 2021. He is now one of three active coaches – joining Vanderbilt’s Tim Corbin and Florida coach Kevin O’Sullivan – as three-time winners.

DVH was not the only Razorbacks baseballer honored Monday. As four Arkansas players earned All-SEC marks from the league’s coaches. Check the complete list below.

Four Razorbacks were named to All-SEC teams by the league’s head coaches, led by Hagen Smith’s first-team selection at starting pitcher and All-Defensive honors. Kendall Diggs picked up second-team recognition at designated hitter, while pitcher Gage Wood and outfielder Tavian Josenberger garnered Freshman All-SEC and All-Defensive praise, respectively.

Dave Van Horn - Coach of the Year

Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn, center, celebrates with the team after defeating Tennessee in an NCAA college baseball championship game during the Southeastern Conference tournament Sunday, May 30, 2021, in Hoover, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn, center, celebrates with the team after defeating Tennessee in an NCAA college baseball championship game during the Southeastern Conference tournament Sunday, May 30, 2021, in Hoover, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

  • Third SEC Coach of the Year honor (2004, 2021)

  • Arkansas finished 39-15, 20-10 in SEC

  • Razorbacks’ mark of 20 wins was only third time Arkansas has reached that total

Hagen Smith - All-SEC First Team

Jun 22, 2022; Omaha, NE, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks starting pitcher Hagen Smith (33) throws against the Ole Miss Rebels in the first inning at Charles Schwab Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 22, 2022; Omaha, NE, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks starting pitcher Hagen Smith (33) throws against the Ole Miss Rebels in the first inning at Charles Schwab Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

  • First Arkansas starter to be first-teamer since 2013 (Ryne Stanek)

  • Stats: 15 games, nine starts – 8-1, 2.56 ERA, 93 K, .191 BA against

  • Semifinalist for National Pitcher of the Year award from College Baseball Foundation

Kendall Diggs - All-SEC Second Team

Arkansas Kendall Diggs (5) rounds the bases after hitting a home run against Little Rock during an NCAA baseball game on Tuesday, March 29, 2022, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Arkansas Kendall Diggs (5) rounds the bases after hitting a home run against Little Rock during an NCAA baseball game on Tuesday, March 29, 2022, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)

  • Third baseman/designated hitter led team with 56 RBI in 51 games during regular season.

  • Slashed.314/.451/.566 on the year, each of which is third on the team

  • Stats: 10 HR, 41 BB, 12 2B

Gage Wood - All-SEC Freshman

  • Stats: 2-0 record with 3.81 ERA and 41 K in 28 1/3 innings

  • Holds team lead with five saves, all in SEC play

  • Fourth Arkansas freshman since 2003 to record five saves or more

Tavian Josenberger - All-SEC Defensive Team

  • Team-high seven assists from the outfield

  • Fielding percentage of 1.000 in 116 chances

  • Offensive stats: .301/.431/.485, 7 HR, 27 RBI, 44 R, 11 SB

Story originally appeared on Razorbacks Wire

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