Former Arkansas LB Bumper Pool signs UDFA deal with Carolina Panthers

Former Arkansas linebacker Bumper Pool has signed an unrestricted free agent deal with the Carolina Panthers, the Razorbacks announced via Twitter. Pool is the all-time leading tackler in Arkansas history.

Pool ended his collegiate career with five of the most productive seasons in SEC history. In 2022 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 most prolific tackler in Arkansas Razorbacks’ history. 

Pool will forever be a fan favorite in Fayetteville, and before leaving campus to pursue his professional football dream, he penned a letter to 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.”

He joins an incoming rookie class in Carolina headlined by the likes of Bryce Young, Jonathan Mingo and DJ Johnson. Young, the top draft pick in this year’s cycle, is expected to be the team’s next franchise quarterback and lead the Panthers into a more successful future.

Pool is a part of a group of 13 UDFA’s that have signed with the Panthers. Below is a list of the rest of the players also invited to the Panthers rookie minicamp as undrafted free agents.

• DE Jalen Redmond (Oklahoma)
• OLB Travez Moore (Arizona State)
• OLB Eku Leota (Auburn)
• ILB Austin Ajiake (UNLV)
• CB Colby Richardson (LSU)
• CB Mark Milton (Baylor)
• CB Rejzohn Wright (Oregon State)
• S Nico Bolden (Kent State)
• RB Cam Peoples (Appalachian State)
• WR Josh Vann (South Carolina)
• OT Ricky Lee (North Carolina A&T)
• OG Nash Jensen (North Dakota State)