Position Preview: Linebackers, New faces but same solid unit

Another year, another group of Razorback linebackers ready to surprise its opponents.

Surprise? Why would I say that?

Arkansas has seen a terrific run of linebacker play dating back to the days of Brooks Ellis and Martrell Speight. But, there hasn’t been many years where there was quality depth behind him.

It looks like those days are behind us with how well Sam Pittman and his staff have recruited since arriving in Fayetteville in 2019.

They’ve somewhat been a linebacker factory of sorts with Grant Morgan, Hayden Henry, Drew Sanders and Bumper Pool providing high level play at the position. Then, add the terrific recruiting and development of guys like Chris “Pooh” Paul, Jordan Crook, Mani Powell and Kaden Henley and it feels like there’s finally SEC depth.

Arkansas linebackers have been awarded with all-SEC first team, all-Americans, Burlsworth Trophy and one became the all-time tackle leader in program history.

So, what’s next for this group?

In need of veteran leadership and extra collegiate experience they brought in Antonio Grier of South Florida out of the transfer portal.

This spring, Grier has been a playmaker, motivator and a joy to be around by coaches and teammates alike according to defensive end, Landon Jackson.

Chris “Pooh” Paul will be the unquestioned leader of the unit after a terrific 2022 campaign that saw him finish fifth on the team in tackles with 62.

The jump that Paul made from 2021 to 2022 was due to the development former linebacker coach, Matt Scherer, who now is defensive coordinator at UNLV.

The Razorbacks had a fantastic pair of linebackers in 2022 with both finishing as the tackle leaders. Sanders recorded 103 and Pool had 92.

It was apparent on Saturday that Travis Williams wants to apply heavy amounts of pressure to opponents. It’s very similar to the defensive philosophy during Williams’ time at Auburn. Jordan Crook came away with a half sack but the linebacker unit was living in the offensive backfield on Saturday. That should continue on into the summer and during the season.

Depth Chart:

Left LB:

1. Antonio Grier

2. Brad Spence

Mike LB:

1. Chris Paul

2. Kaden Henley

3. Mani Powell

Right LB:

1. Jordan Crook

2. Carson Dean

Finally, Arkansas could target a few potential linebackers out of the portal to shore up some depth issues the position may have. Alex Sanford, the Oxford, (Miss.) native will be here during the summer and the staff is very high on the true freshman.