Eagan OK with utility role

Clark Eagan of Arkansas rounds third to score a run against LSU during the fifth inning Saturday, March 21, 2015, at Baum Stadium in Fayetteville.
Clark Eagan of Arkansas rounds third to score a run against LSU during the fifth inning Saturday, March 21, 2015, at Baum Stadium in Fayetteville.

— After starting most of Arkansas' games at first base last season, junior Clark Eagan is in a position battle this preseason.

In fact, he's in two of them.

Eagan is a candidate to start for the Razorbacks at both corner infield positions. He has been working alongside sophomore Cullen Gassaway at first base and with converted catcher Carson Shaddy at third.

"Those two will probably battle it out to play there (at third)," Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn said. "They both can hit. They can swing the bat and they bring some experience to the game.

"They both are inexperienced over there, but they can play it. I've seen them play it and they've worked hard."

The Razorbacks have to replace Bobby Wernes, who Van Horn said was the best defensive third baseman he has coached and made a number of highlight-reel plays from the position a year ago.

"You can't replace a Bobby Wernes defensively," Van Horn said. "I just want them to be steady, know where to be on bunt coverages and cutoffs, and know what you're supposed to do to help us win the game."

Eagan said he is comfortable playing across the diamond at third base if that's where he's needed.

"It's pretty much the same as first, except you've just got to throw the ball a little more and you've got a little smaller glove," Eagan said. "But I like it over there. It's fun."

In addition to the infield, Eagan may also play in the outfield, where Arkansas must replace all three of its starters from last season. Van Horn called Eagan one of the team's best in center field.

"I expect to play all three positions this year," Eagan said. "Wherever I'm at, that's fine. It doesn't really bother me switching around.

"I kind of look at it like a benefit. As long as you're in the lineup, it doesn't matter where you're playing."

There is little question Eagan will be in the lineup somewhere. He recorded a .288 average with 19 extra-base hits and 31 RBIs last season. He also had a fielding percentage of .991.

"He's one of our best hitters and one of our best players," Van Horn said.

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