Arkansas redshirt junior S Jalen Catalon and fifth-year senior LB Bumper Pool were named to the Bednarik Award Watch List. The Bednarik award is given to the best defensive player in college football each season. Jalen Catalon was named first team All-SEC in 2020 (AP, Coaches) and was on his way to similar honors in 2021 before getting injured. Meanwhile, Bumper Pool received second team All-SEC honors (AP, Coaches) in 2021 and ranked third in the SEC in total tackles. Pool needs to record just 60 tackles to become Arkansas’ all-time tackles leader.
Semifinalists for the award will be announced on Nov. 1 and three finalists will be named on Nov. 22. After this announcement, the winner will be announced on Dec. 8 at the ESPN College Football Home Depot Awards Show.
While these two players have played terrific individually, Arkansas is looking toward improving their team defense from last season. Consequently, the Hogs have added some pieces in the transfer portal, including LB Drew Sanders and CB Dwight McGlothern, who should assist Catalon and Pool. Following these additions, Arkansas should be able to run more schemes on defense.
To read more about Arkansas’ chances to win the SEC championship in 2022, click here.
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