Arkansas Fans Only Like Transfers When They Arrive, Not Leave
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Former Arkansas linebacker Chris “Pooh” Paul announced his intention to transfer to Ole Miss Friday evening. His decision was met with plenty of animosity as Razorback fans called him a snake, lacking character and loyalty.
Anymore that’s what college football has become – a revolving door of players looking for greener grass. Who could blame Paul after seeing his team stumble to a 4-8 record in 2023? He could have hung around and tried to help Arkansas get back on track, but that didn’t happen and his father made it clear why. The Georgia native saw an opportunity to play in a program that's won 10 games in two of its last three seasons. Having the experience at Ole Miss would possibly help his draft stock while enjoying a few more wins along the way that he wouldn’t likely get at Arkansas in 2024.
Being mad at a guy for wanting to better himself has always been ridiculous. Disparaging Paul because he chose to go enjoy the remainder of his college career as a winner is a little selfish. Interestingly enough, Arkansas fans will celebrate intraconference transfers when they benefit the program, but resent those who leave Fayetteville a little early. Door swings both ways whether fans like it or not. Say goodbye and wish them well unless said player is on the opposing sideline.
To quote rapper Finesse2Tymes, “It's cool when they do it…It's a problem when I do it.”
The transfer portal gives and it will also take away key players each year, whether surprising or not. There is no doubt Arkansas has reaped benefit from the transfer portal before with the likes of Feleipe Franks (Florida), Dwight McGlothern and Landon Jackson (LSU), and Jaheim Singletary (Georgia). Franks' departure from the Gators might have been a mutual thing, but he was sent off with adoration for his time in Gainesville. LSU fans have often wished their beloved ‘Nudie’ McGlothern stayed around a little while considering they call themselves ‘Defensive Back University’ anyway.
Pittman’s staff will need to attack the transfer portal once again for experienced linebackers or find itself forced to trust the development of its young pups.
Arkansas will still have its leading tackler back next season in Jaheim Thomas. The Cincinnati linebacker transfer recorded 90 tackles and 4.5 sacks in 2023. With Jordan Crook, Pooh Paul and Mani Powell departing, Arkansas loses 62% of its production at the position. The Razorbacks need for a handful of serviceable linebackers in portal and 2024 class.
2024 Scholarship Linebackers
Jaheim Thomas SR
Brad Spence, Sophomore
Alex Sanford, Sophomore
Carson Dean, Redshirt Freshman
Kaden Henley, Redshirt Freshman
Justin Logan, Freshman
Wyatt Simmons, Freshman
HOGS FEED:
GETTING KJ JEFFERSON'S DECISION ALSO DECIDING URGENCY
ARKANSAS STAFF DOESN'T REALLY CARE WHAT OTHERS THINK
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