Bumper Pool sends message to Arkansas fans about his future

Bumper Pool has sent a heartfelt message to Arkansas faithful regarding his football future, following undergoing successful hip surgery Wednesday and being scheduled to have another for the other hip in the near future.

The Razorbacks star defender took to Twitter to put his heart on his sleeves, something he’s done on the field time and time over again.

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Thank you, Arkansas! #nextchapter pic.twitter.com/I8Hy3jdnDf

— Bumper Pool (@bumperpool10) November 27, 2022

“DEAR RAZORBACK NATION, You have given me the opportunity to live out a dream, that inspired me as a young kid to love the game of Football,” wrote Pool. “This past week I underwent the first of two surgeries to repair my hips. Arkansas Football has many great years ahead and it’s been an honor to be a part of Razorback history. As to my future, I am going to spend the upcoming months rehabbing to get back to full health. I’m excited for future opportunities either playing football or my professional career.

“To all my great teammates and coaches, Hog fans, supporters and friends l’ve met along the way, this story couldn’t have been written without you. THANK YOU. GOD BLESS AND WOOO PIG.”

Alas, Pool ends his collegiate career with five of the most productive seasons in SEC history. This season alone, the senior racked up 92 tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss, 2.0 sacks and three pass breakups during the 2022 campaign.

His career stats are even more impressive. Pool has amassed a school record 441 tackles, including 27.5 for a loss, as well as 3.0 sacks and 19 pass breakups. He’ll go out as one of the most productive defensive players in Arkansas history. He’ll go down as the the most prolific tackler in Arkansas Razorbacks history.

Pool’s status for the NFL Draft is up in the air as of this report, but is expected to be a late round draft choice or end up undrafted if he were to declare. 

Sam Pittman provides update on Bumper Pool’s surgery, future plans

After the 29-27 loss to Missouri Friday, head coach Sam Pittman updated the condition of Pool following his operation and discussed what Pool’s future plans could be if the NFL route doesn’t work out for him in the long run.

“Well, he had surgery on Wednesday. I think it went well. I know it did. He told me it went well. He was still a little loopy,” Pittman said of Pool postgame. “Bless his heart, he went about as far as he could go for the Hogs and for the state. … I think if he comes back healthy and feels good, I think he’ll give [the NFL Draft] a shot.

“I think if there’s anything coming from his surgery that he doesn’t feel good about, I think he wants to be a coach.”

Time will tell what Bumper Pool’s football future looks like, but it’s bright regardless.

On3’s Barkley Truax contributed to this article.