Don’t Worry About Spring Injury, ‘Pooh’ Will Be Ready for Rebels Season

OXFORD, Miss. — It’s perfectly normal to be concerned about veteran linebacker Chris “Pooh” Paul’s concussion in the spring. But there’s not history of that at Arkansas so it’s reasonable to expect a full recovery with Ole Miss.

Combined with all the talent the Rebels have put together on defense, some of it is young and needs leadership. Paul can fill that like he did last year with the Razorbacks.

After sitting out his freshman season in 2021, he was an All-SEC Freshman in 2022 and a steady force in a disappointing 4-8 year in 2023 with the Hogs. With 28 appearances over two seasons, he had 137 total tackles (68 solo), 15.0 TFL, 6.0 sacks, one forced fumble and one pass breakup.

Now he’s got to fit in on a new team that is a little bit closer to his native Cordele, Ga. (Crisp County High School). After clearing everything medical, he was able to return to full practice with no limitations Tuesday.

“It was just a minor setback,” Paul said after Friday morning’s practice. “I’m back 100 percent moving around and the guys were happy to get me back and things like that.”

He’s spent most of the time after spring learning everything new with his teammates and Oxford.

“I can’t wait to be in front of those fans and just put on a showcase of what we’ve been working on,” Paul said. “Everybody else feels the same way as well. (I’m) just ready to get back in that gameday atmosphere (and) The Walk of Champions. Really just put on a show for those fans and give them what they’ve been waiting for.”

Paul was brought in for his experience. In three years, he was one of those players that didn’t cause problems on or off the field. The late, great, Tom Landry with the Dallas Cowboys used to call players like that “a pro.”

Pooh appears ready to fill the role Ole Miss wanted for the defense.

“The only thing coaches ask me to do every day is just to lead and give 100 percent every day,” Paul said. “That’s something I just do anyways. Just coming in and being that force on defense. Being the MIKE linebacker, I got a lot of responsibilities on my shoulders, just making sure that everybody’s in the right gap assignment and coverages.”

With him making the change in December and being on the team all spring, he took some time to adjust to the new environment, but now is ready to go. He’s embracing the role coaches expected it and be that guy to should all those responsibilities.

“The spring really helped me understand the standard,” Paul said. “Going into camp I already have the mindset of what coach is looking for, how I need to push myself this camp in order to thrive this season.”

Ole Miss opens the 2024 season Aug. 31 in Oxford against Furman at 6 p.m. The game will be televised on EPSN+.