Two Razorbacks are among the SEC’s top-22
Auburn Wire recently released its list of the top 22 SEC players heading into the 2022 season, and Arkansas is represented by two defensive players.
Linebacker Bumper Pool and safety Jalen Catalon were listed among the conference’s best athletes, and are expected to play key roles in the Razorbacks’ success in 2022.
Catalon looks to have a successful bounce-back season after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury halfway through the 2021 season. Before his injury, he recorded 46 tackles and two interceptions.
Pool is an All-SEC selection from last season after recording 125 total tackles, with 7.5 of those being for loss.
Here’s what Brody Smoot of Auburn Wire has to say about Catalon and Pool:
20. Jalen Catalon
Sep 25, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks defensive back Jalen Catalon (1) celebrates during the second half against the Texas A&M Aggies at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
The Arkansas faithful were elated to learn that star defensive back Jalen Catalon was returning for his fourth season in Fayetteville. The Texas native has had quite the impact on the Razorbacks. Catalon played just six games last season before suffering a season-ending injury. However, if he is fully healthy, he easily accounts for one of the top players in the conference.
14. Bumper Pool
Aug 31, 2019; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks linebacker Bumper Pool (10) warms up before a game against the Portland State Vikings at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
The Hogs will return an All-SEC First-Team selection in fifth-year senior linebacker Bumper Pool. He isn’t just the average linebacker. Last season, he finished ninth in the country in tackles (125). A year earlier, he recorded 101 tackles. You don’t see that every day. He will be the leader for the Razorback’s defense that looks to improve from a season ago.
