Signee 101: Get to know 4-star Arkansas LB Bumper Pool

Bumper Pool achieved a lifelong goal Wednesday when he signed with Arkansas. A standout linebacker at Lovejoy High School in Lucas, Texas, Pool has grown up cheering for the Hogs. His father, Jeff, and several other family members have graduated from Arkansas. Now, he’s next in line to head to Fayetteville.

Pool is a 4-star prospect according to the 247Sports composite. He officially signed with the Razorbacks on the first day of the early signing period.

Here are some things to know about Pool after his signing with the Razorbacks:

Bumper Pool never wavered on commitment

Even through the recent coaching change from Bret Bielema to Chad Morris, Pool remained firm in his intention to join the Razorbacks. He committed under the previous staff in November 2016, becoming the second commitment in the class at the time.

When Bielema was fired less than a month before Pool was set to officially sign wit the Hogs, Pool patiently waited for the new staff to be put in place. He knew nothing at all would change once Morris, who previously recruited Pool to SMU, was announced as the new coach.

Pool could have gone just about anywhere, with offers from Alabama, LSU, Michigan, Southern Cal and several other major programs.

Bumper Pool can do it all

Pool starred as a linebacker for four years at Lovejoy. He had at least 110 tackles in each of the past three seasons, including topping 150 as a senior.

That’s not all Pool did for Lovejoy, though. When the Leopards got off to a slow start this season and were dealing with some key injuries, Pool stepped in to contribute significantly on offense as a wildcat quarterback. He took direct snaps on many occasions throughout the second half of the season in addition to playing H-back and linebacker.

With Pool playing all over the field, Lovejoy won its final five regular-season games to make the playoffs.

Bumper Pool enrolling early

Pool is one of two early signees — along with wide receiver Mike Woods — who will enroll early. He’ll begin taking classes and working out with the team in January. The extra semester on campus should do wonders for Pool’s chances at playing immediately next season on a defense that desperately needs more players of his caliber.