From KJ Jefferson’s rival high school, Arkansas signs Julius Pope

Julius Pope is tackling machine who could stick at linebacker if he bulks.

Sardis, Mississippi, has been a boon for Arkansas football in recent years.

Coach Sam Pittman is hoping his latest signee from Sardis is as good as his last. Julius Pope, a linebacker from South Panola High School, inked with the Razorbacks on Wednesday, following Arkansas’ luck with KJ Jefferson, from North Panola High, a half-decade before.

Pope, a 6-foot-0 and 195-pound linebacker, is a three-star player rated as the 20th best propsect in the state of Mississippi. His build now is that of a safety, though Arkansas could choose to redshirt him in hopes he adds weight to continue to play linebacker.

The Razorbacks need help there as Chris Paul Jr. and Jordan Crook both entered the transfer portal in the offseason.

Overall, Pope was one of 15 high schoolers to sign with Arkansas on early signing day. The Hogs had 17 commits entering the day. Safety Jeremy Cook and wide receiver Ashton Bethel-Roman did not sign, though they were not expected to on Wednesday, either.