Sam Pittman says James Jointer didn't speak to him before leaving team

The news that Arkansas running back James Jointer will enter the transfer portal came as a surprise to Razorbacks head coach Sam Pittman, who found out moments before walking into his standard Monday press conference to meet with local reporters.

Running backs coach Jimmy Smith filled him in shortly after Jointer announced his plans on Twitter. Pittman had yet to speak with Jointer about it while meeting with the media.

“No, I have not,” Pittman said. “Jimmy just walked in my office right before we came over here and showed me the tweet, so I have not had a chance to talk to him, nor did he come in to talk to me.”

Jointer was a three-star prospect in the 2022 recruiting class, a true freshman at Arkansas. He had recorded only three carries for nine yards this season.

Pittman didn’t elaborate much on the decision, but suffice it to say the Arkansas head coach remains one of dozens of college football coaches still grappling with the ever-changing college football landscape as the transfer portal has become an increasingly popular destination for players who are unhappy.

Jointer did leave an outgoing message to fans.

James Jointer to enter NCAA transfer portal

The news that James Jointer will enter the transfer portal was announced by Jointer himself, who wrote “Thank you Arkansas” on a Twitter post, which also included the below statement on his decision.

“It was a childhood dream of mine to be an Arkansas Razorback, I’m blessed that I’ve been able to live that out and for that, I will forever be grateful. My time at the University of Arkansas will be with me forever, and the state of Arkansas will forever have a special place in my heart. Thank you to everyone who has supported me. After careful consideration and prayer, Ive decided to enter the transfer portal.”

A member of the 2022 recruiting class, Jointer was rated as the No. 646 overall prospect in his class, regardless of position. He was rated as the No. 46 running back that cycle, as well as the No. 7 overall player in the state of Arkansas.

Jointer arrived in Fayetteville after playing his high school ball at Little Rock Parkview.