Gone is the formidable Arkansas linebacker duo that was Bumper Pool and Drew Sanders during the 2022 season. With those two out of the picture, who will step up to plug holes in the line of scrimmage and be leaders for Arkansas' defense?
One option that's returning for the 2023 season is Chris "Pooh" Paul Jr., who was named Second Team Freshman All-American by The Athletic and College Football Network for his Freshman All-SEC campaign in 2022, when he totaled 62 tackles, eight tackles for loss, four sacks and one forced fumble.
Paul isn't the only returning linebacker, though. Back is sophomore Jordan Crook, who played in all 13 games for the Razorbacks last season. In his lone start against Kansas in the Liberty Bowl, Crook recorded a season-high seven tackles and half a tackle for loss. Former three-star prospect Mani Powell also returns for his second season in Fayetteville.
Those three form a solid foundation for the program, but head coach Sam Pittman knew he needed more to compete in the SEC West. Two freshmen additions — Brad Spence and Alex Sanford — have stood out to Pittman through six fall camp practices.
"I really like Brad Spence," Pittman said. "And Sanford. But Spence makes plays every day. As a matter of fact, and I'm not great at singling out one guy, but I did single him out after practice today because it seemed like he was all over the field...I think we're getting closer to five there with Sanford coming on and Mani Powell, I think we'll be able to have enough linebackers."
A 6-foot-3 linebacker and former three-star prospect out of Klein, Texas, Spence has put in the work in the weight room over the offseason and he has a bright future, according to Pittman.
"I think the weight room has a done a nice job for him, first and foremost," Pittman said. "He’s built his confidence through there, and now he knows what he’s doing and all that, but I’ll tell you he makes plays all the time and he can really run."
"He made a play today, it’s not sideline to sideline, but one hash all the way to out of bounds on the other hash. That’s hard to do for anybody, but he did it. What’s that tell you? He's got all the ability, but he’s using his ability. A lot of guys have ability, they don’t use it. He’s one of those guys that does. I think the future is really bright for him, and the future is now."
Along with the freshmen, the Razorbacks added two linebackers through the transfer portal. Antonio Grier — a redshirt senior from South Florida — accumulated 234 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks and two interceptions in five seasons with the Bulls.
The former All-AAC selection was previously committed to Arkansas defensive coordinator Travis Williams when he was still at Central Florida and he gave his pledge to Williams when he came to Arkansas.
"I’ve played a lot of ball," Grier said on April 7. "There’s no on-the-field or off-the-field stuff. I’ve played a lot of ball. I’ve seen a lot of things, a lot of schemes, been in a lot of schemes, so I’ve been around college football for a while. It’s my leadership skills."
The other portal addition is Cincinnati transfer Jaheim Thomas. Listed at 6-foot-4, 240-pounds, the redshirt junior has the size and physicality required for the SEC West. In a breakout 2022 season, Thomas totaled 70 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and two sacks.
After being limited during the summer due to injury, Thomas is slowly making his way back through fall camp.
"Jaheim Thomas is coming on," Pittman stated. "Unfortunately, he wasn't able to do a whole lot this summer...Just was injured. He had an injury we really wanted to take care of. We were really light on that injury, but he's certainly healed back full now."
In the season opener against Arkansas in 2022, Thomas compiled seven tackles with half a tackle for loss.
Prior to fall camp starting, Pittman said he was worried about the depth at the linebacker position. But through six practices, the Head Hog believes the Razorbacks will be fine there.
"Number of linebackers…I’ll be honest with you guys," Pittman noted. "My biggest concern was linebacker depth coming in...I believe with Spence and Sanford coming on, along with Mani Powell, I think we’re going to be fine at linebacker."
With a good returning group and quality freshman and portal additions, the Arkansas linebacker room could have its best depth in the Pittman era at Arkansas — something that will play a major role in the Razorbacks' success in 2023.
