In what was largely a week of rough news for Arkansas football after winning the Outback Bowl, the Razorbacks received a bit of good news on two fronts Friday.
First, senior linebacker Bumper Pool decided to return for a super senior season. Second, junior punter Reid Bauer was named the winner of the Mortell Award as the nation’s best holder.
“Best holder?” you may wonder. But don’t pretend the job isn’t important. When kicker Cam Little was busy going 20 of 24 on his field goals and setting a pace to become the best kicker in Arkansas history, someone had to hold those kicks. That was Bauer.
The junior also converted two fakes – one for a first down with his legs and another for a touchdown with his pass – in consecutive weeks during the regular season. Both came in Arkansas wins as the Hogs went 9-4.