Sam Pittman admits Bumper Pool injury has star 'beat up'

Arkansas has been decimated by defensive injuries this year, particularly in the secondary. But a Bumper Pool injury — scratch that, injuries — might have ended the star linebacker’s career with the Razorbacks.

Coach Sam Pittman was very blunt about Pool’s current status, asked to clarify whether he was still bothered by a hip injury or a back injury.

“Both. Well, I can give you a list. Let me see,” Pittman said. “Hip… two hips, a back. He’s beat up. I’m telling you right now about five weeks ago I thought he was done. We shut him down at practice and some things. He’s beat up, man. But he’s a trooper.

“I don’t know how much further he can go, to be honest with you. And with us getting bowl eligible, it could or could not be his last game. I don’t know.”

The wording on that wasn’t perfectly clear, so a reporter followed up.

Was Pool’s last game on Saturday against Ole Miss? Or could he play in the regular-season finale, then rest up for the bowl? Or sit the regular-season finale and play in the bowl game?

Pittman’s answer on whether he hoped Pool could go in the bowl game seemed to indicate the first of those three options.

“Not a lot, no. Not a lot of hope there,” Pittman said. “I don’t know for sure, but I mean he’s beat up.”

Bumper Pool injury fight shows his toughness

Given the way Pittman described the Bumper Pool injury (err, injuries) he’s been fighting through, you have to be impressed with the toughness and dedication to the team the veteran has shown.

Pool has been the heart and soul of the defense following a season-ending injury to safety Jalen Catalon.

The senior has 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 if, in fact, the Ole Miss win on Saturday was his last appearance.