Brian Walker Named Arkansas Scouting Director

After an extensive search process, Prep Baseball Report is thrilled to announce its new Arkansas scouting staff that will thoroughly, accurately and honestly scout current and future prospects in the Natural State.

Brian Walker, a former standout player and assistant coach at the University of Arkansas, takes over as the Arkansas Scouting Director. Walker will be assisted by legendary University of Arkansas pitching coach Dave Jorn, and Justin Gardenhire. Together, they will provide unparalleled prospect coverage across Arkansas.
 
“We are extremely fortunate to bring in such high-level baseball minds as Brian Walker and Coach Jorn,” said Prep Baseball Report President Sean Duncan. “They know Arkansas baseball through and through. Above all, they are high-character, high-quality human beings who will work extremely hard to help players and coaches alike in Arkansas.”

Walker has been successful at every level of baseball. A former catcher, Walker played at Arkansas from 2005-2007 under head coach Dave Van Horn, Todd Butler, Matt Deggs and Coach Jorn. Walker was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the 29th round, and ascended up to Triple-A in 2010.

Walker spent three years as the volunteer assistant coach at Arkansas, where he helped lead the Razorbacks to a trip to the College World Series in 2012. In 2013, Walker became the recruiting coordinator at Wichita State, working under Todd Butler until 2017, where he helped bring in two top 25 recruiting classes. Wichita State currently has two high-level draft prospects, Greyson Jenista and Alec Bohm.

Coach Jorn is one of the most respected pitching coaches in the country. He served as Arkansas’ pitching coach for a combined 20 years, working under Van Horn from 2003-2016, and under former head coach Norm DeBriyn (1983-1988). In between Jorn’s two stints, he worked in Major League Baseball, both in player development and as a scout.   

During his tenure as the Razorbacks’ pitching coach, Jorn helped turn the program into a pitching factory that ultimately led to six trips to the College World Series, 18 NCAA Tournament berths, and 45 pitchers drafted, including Cy Young Award winner Dallas Keuchel (Houston Astros), Drew Smyly (Tampa Bay Rays), Mike Bolsinger (Los Angeles Dodgers), Nick Schmidt (first round) and Ryne Stanek (first round). In 2013, Jorn’s pitching staff led the nation with a 1.89 ERA.

Now, Walker and Jorn will bring their baseball experiences and passions for scouting to Arkansas’ prep baseball scene. They will work tirelessly to bring to you the most comprehensive high school baseball information Arkansas has ever seen and provide scouting coverage to all corners of the state. But they can’t do it alone.  Email Brian Walker at [email protected] with any and all information about players in your area.