2020 HOGSPYs: Heart of the Hog

The Heart of the Hog award recognizes a student-athlete who is considered the heart of the team constantly displaying a passion for Razorback Athletics. Their outstanding leadership positively influences their teammates in and out of competition.

This year’s nominees are:

Tatum Rice (WTEN)

  • Tatum provided the match-clinching victory from the No.2 position in a dramatic fashion, as she battled back for a 3-6, 7-5, 6-4 win over Tereza Jenatova. Rice fell in the first set but played with great resilience in sets two and three to secure the Razorbacks their first SEC win of the season against No.24 Ole miss.
  • With the score deadlocked at three-all, the attention shifted to court two where Tatum Rice battled Janatova. The Razorback lost the first set 6-3 before mounting her comeback, winning the second set in a tiebreak of 7-5.
  • Rice’s mental and physical toughness were on full display as she shook off the early deficit and by the time the third set rolled around, she was in full control, clinching the match with a 3-6, 7-5, 6-4 victory for the Hogs.

Jimmy Whitt (MBB)

  • Whitt started his career at Arkansas before transferring to SMU. Upon graduation last spring, Whitt returned “home” to play his final season.
  • Despite battling back injury throughout the year, was asked to guard the opponents’ best player while ranking second in the SEC in minutes played.
  • Three specific examples were his play to lead Arkansas to wins at Georgia Tech, versus TCU and versus Tennessee. He additionally ranked 15th in the SEC in scoring.
  • Whitt, by far, played more minutes than any other graduate transfer and was the only grad transfer to move up to a power conference and average more points than his previous stop.

Hunter Woodhall (TF)

  • Four-time All-American, qualified for 2020 NCAA Indoor in 4×400 and distance medley relay.
  • Member of silver medal 4×400 relay at 2020 SEC Indoor Championships.
  • 2020 marks – 46.92 (400m), 46.03 4×4 relay split, 1:50.61 800m relay split on distance medley.
  • 2019 NCAA Indoor, member of 4th place 4×400 relay and 6th place distance medley relay.
  • 2019 Outdoor season, 4th in SEC 400m, member of bronze medal 4×400 relay.

Jessica Yamzon (GYM)

  • Has competed 189 of 196 possible routines in her career, including 180 straight routines to start her career at Arkansas. Including her performances at NCAA Championships, she has performed 193 routines.
  • As a senior, she has accumulated nine career titles, four on the balance beam and five as an all-around competitor. She boasts both athletic and academic recognition, including back-to-back seasons on the SEC Academic Honor Roll (2018-19).
  • Yamzon helped lead Arkansas to program record performances on the uneven bars (49.575) on March 2, 2018 against Arizona and again two weeks later when the Razorbacks scored 197.300 at the Arkansas Tri.
  • She has been an absolute stronghold for the Arkansas gymnastics program since she stepped foot on campus, it’s saddening to see her senior season ended so abruptly, but the legacy she leaves is stronger than ever.

Watch the video to find out this year’s winner.