:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54757685/654569460.0.jpg)
ESPN took a look at the most improved player on each team in the SEC West. Arkansas’ pick is Hjalte Froholdt. The pick makes sense, there has been a lot of buzz surrounding his improvement, plus the second year at a new position is normally a big jump for college athletes. The first year is spent learning the ins and outs of the positions, the second is where the pieces really get put together.
Frank Ragnow’s breakout junior year led to him having to make the decision whether to leave for the NFL or stay at Arkansas one more year. This piece on him centers around him having to make that decision without his father who passed away during the season. This looks to be the first of a couple pieces from Jason Kersey about Ragnow and his relationship with his father, so be sure to keep an eye out for that.
A quick transfer update, Daytrieon Dean announced he will leave the program. The Fort Smith native redshirted his freshman year in 2015, but didn’t see the field in 2016. That and the transition to the 3-4 system could have contributed to his decision.
By now you probably know that both Daryl Macon and Jalen Barford are returning for their senior seasons. The decisions are great news for Mike Anderson looking to get to consecutive NCAA Tournaments for the first time in his tenure at Arkansas. The decisions give us a much clearer look at the roster for next season and it looks exactly like a Mike Anderson style group. There is a lot of depth and experience at the guard position. A solid rotation of post players who have been developing for a while, and an infusion of talented newcomers to replace the outgoing seniors. With their return, the expectations for next year remain at a high level.
Arkansas has their final home series of the regular season against Vanderbilt this weekend. It could potentially be the final one for Luke Bonfield, who is featured in this piece. Bonfield has had multiple opportunities to break into the professional ranks, but he has stayed and developed at Arkansas and has been a big help for the Hogs in the third spot of the lineup.