In Pool's first career game, as a freshman in 2018, he contributed with six tackles and a fumble return.[4] In his freshman season, Pool played in ten games totaling 29 tackles.[5] As a sophomore in 2019, Pool amassed 94 tackles including 6.5 tackles for loss.[6] The following season, Pool was named to the Second team All-SEC.[7] In a shortened ten-game season, Pool recorded 101 total tackles.[8] He averaged 11.2 tackles per game finishing second in the SEC. In 2021, Pool once again was named to the Second team All-SEC, tallying 125 tackles.[9] Pool decided to return for a fifth year at Arkansas, using the year of eligibility granted from the COVID-19 shortened season.[10] Entering the season, Pool was named to the Butkus Award watch list.[11] Pool was also named to the Phil Steele preseason First team All-SEC and Second team All-American teams.[12][13] Pool was named the 39th best player in the upcoming college football season by ESPN.[14] In his final season, Pool totaled 92 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks, while being named to the Second team All-SEC for the third consecutive season.[15] With 441 career tackles, Pool became the school's all-time leading tackler, surpassing Tony Bua's previous record of 408.[16]
Professional career
Carolina Panthers
Pool was signed by the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2023.[17] He was waived by the Panthers on August 26.[18]
When Pool was 16, he legally changed his name to Bumper James Morris Pool.[20][21][22] The name Bumper originated from his father's love for bumper pool as a child.[23]
Pool appeared in a question of a 2018 episode of Jeopardy!.[24]
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