Led by coach Houston Nutt’s selection as Coach of the Year, Arkansas’ never-say-die season was rewarded with several Southeastern Conference honors by the Associated Press Tuesday.

“It’s a credit to our coaches and our players,” Nutt said of the honor. “I’ve never made one block or one tackle. To make it in the SEC, I’m very humbled and very appreciative. There’s so many good coaches in the SEC, it’s a who’s who. I’m very flattered.”

Senior linebacker Jermaine Petty and sophomore free safety Ken Hamlin were named to the SEC first team.

Senior center Kenny Sandlin, freshman right tackle Shawn Andrews, sophomore outside linebacker Tony Bua and senior defensive end Carlos Hall were named to the second team. Sophomore punter Richie Butler was named an honorable mention.

“I’m real proud of them,” Nutt said. “Wish there could have been a few more, but it’s the toughest conference in America in my book. So I’m proud of what we have.”

Twenty-two Razorbacks were named to the SEC All-Academic team, second only to Vanderbilt’s 28.

“That’s what I’m really proud of,” Nutt said. “You talk about doing it on and off the field, they’re doing it the right way. We’ve got a great academic support group (athletic director Frank) Broyles has assembled and we’re real grateful for them.”

Petty, who paced the SEC in tackles for the entire season and finished with 140, said being first team All-SEC had always been a goal but hadn’t seemed likely in his last two seasons on the defensive line.

“I set that as a goal when I first got to the university,” said Petty, who had 13 tackles for loss and an 88-yard interception return for a touchdown against Auburn.

“Playing defensive line, I really didn’t get that much opportunity on the field, I just took what I had. For me to get it my senior year is just a great honor.”

Arkansas began the season 1-3 and 0-3 in the SEC before going on a six-game winning streak and getting into the Top 25. The Razorbacks finished with a 7-4 record, 4-4 in the league and are awaiting a bid to either the Independence or Cotton Bowl.

Players agreed Nutt’s positive approach was the key to turning the season around.

“I think he’s been coach of the year the last few years they’ve been recruiting me,” Andrews said of Nutt. “Ever since I met him. He’s a great guy as well as a great coach. It all kind of goes hand in hand and he deserves it.”

Arkansas All-SEC Honors

First Team

Jermaine Petty, senior middle linebacker —140 tackles, 13 for loss, one interception, three forced fumbles

Ken Hamlin, sophomore free safety — 118 tackles, three interceptions, 10 pass break-ups, three fumble recoveries, four forced fumbles

Second Team

Kenny Sandlin, senior center — One of four captains, has started 36 consecutive games at right guard and center

Tony Bua, sophomore outside linebacker — 109 tackles, two interceptions, one fumble recovery, one forced fumble

Carlos Hall, senior defensive end — 49 tackles, 14 quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, blocked game-tying field goal against South Carolina to preserve 10-7 win

Shawn Andrews, freshman right tackle — Started final nine games, beginning against Alabama. Arkansas averaged 22 yards per game rushing before he started, 211 per game after

Honorable mention

Richie Butler, sophomore punter — Averaged 42.5 yards on 67 punts with a long of 61.

Academic Honor Roll

Zack Blake, 3.40, Administrative Management

Mark Bokermann, 3.41, Finance

Jermaine Brooks, 3.61, Industrial Technology

Tim Craig, 3.00, Marketing

Tom Crowder, 3.10, Agricultural Business

Adam Daily, 3.26, General Business

Josh Foliart, 3.70, Kinesiology

Robby Hampton, 3.55, Communication Disorders

Kweku Hayfron, 3.13, Biology

Nathan Henry, 3.16, Kinesiology

Thomas Latoof, 3.08, Kinesiology

Michael Malone, 3.17, Marketing

Jared McBride, 3.38, Vocational Education

Josh Melton, 3.92, Kinesiology

Caleb Miller, 3.34, Kinesiology

Shannon Money, 3.38, Vocational Education

Jarod Morrison, 3.81, Arts and Science

Chuck Nalley, 3.61, Industrial Engineering

Brennan O'Donohoe, 3.15, Health Science

Jerry Reith, 3.50, Industrial Engineering

T.C. Slay, 4.00, Physical Education/Masters of Art Teaching

Jay Strain, 3.14, Civil Engineering