Top 20 countdown: No. 7 - Chris Paul Jr.
HawgBeat's top-20 countdown series previews 20 players who are expected to have the biggest impact for Arkansas football in 2023. The series will provide details on each player's measurables, their 2022 season, an outlook for 2023 and HawgBeat's take.
Checking in at No. 7 is redshirt sophomore linebacker Chris Paul Jr.
CHRIS PAUL JR.
Position: Linebacker
Year: Redshirt-sophomore
Height, Weight: 6-foot-1, 230 pounds
PFF Grade in 2022: 76.2
Snaps played in 2022: 617
2022 SUMMARY
The Cordele, Georgia, native caught the eye of many Razorback fans during his redshirt freshman season in 2022. Across 13 games, Paul totaled 62 tackles, eight tackles for loss, four sacks and one forced fumble. He earned a Pro Football Focus grade of 76.2, including a run defense grade of 71.8, a pass rush grade of 83.5 and a coverage grade of 65.7.
The former three-star prospect had a big-time performance against South Carolina in Week 2. He recorded five tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack and one forced fumble. In the last three games of the season — Ole Miss, Missouri and Kansas — Paul made 28 tackles and two tackles for loss.
2023 OUTLOOK
Veteran linebackers Drew Sanders and Bumper Pool are gone and Arkansas needs someone to step up to replace them. After adding transfers Antonio Grier and Jaheim Thomas this offseason, the depth is there, but there's a clear-cut leader in the linebacker room — "Pooh" Paul.
Essentially a guaranteed starter, Paul has his eyes set on becoming a team captain. The 6-foot-1 linebacker will likely be looked at to be the quarterback of the defense, and based off his Freshman All-SEC and Second Team Freshman All-American season in 2022, fans should expect nothing less from Paul.
HAWGBEAT'S VIEW
Coming in at No. 7 in our top-20 countdown list, Paul is expected to be a heavy contributor for the Razorbacks in 2023. He's the second linebacker on this list, with Grier coming in at No. 13. We decided to list Paul at seven based on his tackling, pass-rush ability and experience with the team.
The 230-pound linebacker is a strong candidate to be the team's top tackler and he'll continue to be a fan favorite with his increased playing time.
Arkansas Football Top 20 Countdown
7. Chris Paul Jr.