State sports briefs

FOOTBALL

ASU CB to transfer to Arkansas

Arkansas State cornerback Jerry Jacobs has announced plans to transfer to Arkansas and will be a mid-term enrollee.

Jacobs, 5-11, 204 pounds, recorded 20 tackles, a tackle for loss and two pass break-ups in three games for the Red Wolves as a junior in 2019 before suffering an ACL tear against Georgia in September.

In 2018, Jacobs was second-team All-Sun Belt Conference after recording 31 tackles, four interceptions and eight pass breakups.

He played in 2017 at Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College before going to Jonesboro. At Hutchinson, he was coached by Rion Rhoades, who is now the Razorbacks' linebackers coach.

Jacobs played three games in 2019. He has two years of eligibility remaining.

"I just appreciate Coach [Sam] Pittman and Coach Rhoades, my former JUCO head coach, for giving me an opportunity to play at a higher level and compete with the best," said Jacobs, who reports to Fayetteville on Sunday.

Jacobs is the sixth early enrollee for the Razorbacks. He played high school football at Atlanta South Cobb and was recruited by Iowa State, Kansas, Tulsa and North Texas before signing with Hutchinson.

-- Richard Davenport

MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

Thorman named Naturals new manager

Scott Thorman was tabbed as the fifth manager in Northwest Arkansas Naturals history on Friday as the Kansas City Royals announced the 2020 field staffs for all of their minor league affiliates.

He will be the Naturals' third manager in three years, following Mike Rojas and Darryl Kennedy.

Last season, the 38-year-old managed the Class A-advanced Wilmington Blue Rocks to the Carolina League title -- its first since 1999. Thorman is entering his sixth season as a manager in the Royals organization. He also guided Class A Lexington to the South Atlantic League title in 2018.

He also earned the Dick Howser Award in 2018 given annually to the Royals' most outstanding player development person.

Prior to managing, he played professionally for 12 years including a major league stint with the Atlanta Braves in 2006 and 2007.

Joining Thorman on the Naturals' field staff is Doug Henry, whom returns as the pitching coach, while Abraham Nunez is back as the team's hitting coach. Certified athletic trainer Justin Kemp will continue in his role while newcomers Tony Medina (development coach) and Luis Jeronimo (strength and conditioning) will round out the 2020 field staff.

Thorman, along with Alec Zumwalt, director of hitting performance/player development for the Royals, are scheduled to attend the Naturals' Hot Stove Luncheon, which will be held from noon-1 p.m. Jan. 20 at The Apollo on Emma Avenue in Springdale.

-- Paul Boyd

GYMNASTICS

Arkansas falls to Florida

The University of Arkansas lost 197.350-194.400 to No. 3 Florida on Friday night in Gainesville, Fla.

Florida won all five events. Trinity Thomas led the way by winning the uneven bars (9.925), balance beam (9.975), floor exercise (9.975) and all-around (39.700).

Arkansas' best performance in an individual event was turned in by Sophia Carter, who finished third in the floor (9.875). Kennedy Hambrick was second in the all around (38.950) and Jessica Yamzon was third at 38.825.

Florida's Nya Reed won the vault at 9.875.

-- Democrat-Gazette Press Services

Sports on 01/11/2020

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