Chris Paul Jr. was expected by most to be Arkansas’ leading tackler in the 2023. He still may be.
But between mild injuries in fall camp, coming off the bench in the Razorbacks’ Week 1 game against Western Carolina and his targeting penalty against the Catamounts that resulted in his ejection and suspension for the first half of Saturday’s game against Kent State, there are some questions.
No one questions Paul’s talent. He had 62 tackles, fifth on the team, last year as Arkansas’ third linebacker behind the school’s all-time leader and another first-round NFL draft pick. His absence Saturday isn’t as concerning as it would be if Arkansas were in the midst of SEC play; it’s still ignominious.
The good news for the Razorbacks defense is that linebacker appears to be one of the deepest spots on the roster. At least, considering Arkansas almost never runs more than two on the field at a time.
Cincinnati transfer Jaheim Thomas may be the No. 1 now regardless of Paul’s availability. Thomas had eight tackles, including 1 1/2 for-loss, in the opener. Arkansas is also expected to have South Florida transfer Antonio Grier in Week 2. Grier led the Bulls in tackles in 2020 and 2021 before injuries limited him to just four games last year. Throw in Jordan Crook and Brad Spence to round out the five and the Hogs are well set.
Spence, a freshman, ran with Thomas on the first-team during practice part of the week, so he should see a spike in snaps. And coaches want to see what Grier brings to the SEC after doctors cleared him to make his debut against Kent State.
“He practiced partially … before the Western Carolina game,” Pittman said. “But he’s practiced all week, so they cleared him to do everything. And he’s been good over the last two days. I expect him to be available.”
[lawrence-auto-related count=1]