Jackson named preseason all-American

Arkansas reliever Zach Jackson delivers a pitch against Kentucky Friday, April 10, 2015, at Baum Stadium in Fayetteville.

Arkansas' Zach Jackson has been named a preseason first-team all-American by Louisville Slugger, Collegiate Baseball Newspaper announced Tuesday.

The right-handed pitcher was a dominant closer in 2015, posting a 2.10 ERA and 5-1 record, while recording nine saves. He had 89 strikeouts in only 60 innings.

He also retired 11 straight batters in Game 3 of the super regional to clinch a spot in the College World Series for the Razorbacks.

Jackson is Arkansas' first Louisville Slugger preseason all-American since Nick Schmidt in 2007.

Despite being named to the team as a reliever, Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn has said Jackson will have a chance to earn a spot in the starting rotation in 2016.

The Razorbacks open the season with a three-game series against Central Michigan beginning Feb. 19.