Two Hogs named Preseason All-SEC by league's coaches
The coaches of the Southeastern Conference tabbed two Razorbacks as Preseason All-SEC selections on Tuesday.
Offensive lineman Fernando Carmona Jr. and defensive tackle Cam Ball were named to the All-SEC team, with the former named to the First Team and the latter to the Third Team.
Both Carmona and Ball are in their final seasons of eligibility with the Razorbacks. Carmona joined the team ahead of last season, while Ball has been a Hog since coming out of high school in the class of 2021.
Ball is a shoe-in starter on the Razorbacks’ defensive line this coming season and had a breakout 2024 campaign in which he logged a career-high 47 tackles, four tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.
After the season ended, Ball received offers from many schools which offered him more money to transfer, but he said he wanted to stay and become a legacy in Arkansas.
“I had opportunities to leave, but it was no point to just pack up and go for a matter of a year or so, and lose all the connections and relationships I built in this state,” Ball said last week. “The people. I love the people here in Arkansas. Not only in Fayetteville, but I’ve been all around Arkansas and I just love this state in general.”
Carmona started every game at left tackle last season, but moved to the interior to make way for Corey Robinson II in the offseason. He’s in line to start at left guard next season and brings with him a wealth of experience on the offensive line.
The Razorbacks will kick off the season against Alabama A&M on Aug. 30 at Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3:15 p.m. CT and the game will air on the SEC Network.
