Chris Paul Jr. Ole Miss LB: Rising Star Impresses in Spring Practice

Chris Paul Jr. quickly established himself as a force on the Ole Miss defense since transferring from Arkansas. The 6-foot-1, 235-pound linebacker from Cordele, Georgia brings a blend of physicality and football IQ that has strengthened the Rebels’ defensive unit. Paul’s tackling ability and instincts in the middle of the field make him a legitimate NFL prospect who projects as a versatile WILL linebacker at the next level.

After earning four collegiate letters – three at Arkansas before joining Ole Miss – Paul Jr. has shown why he was a coveted transfer portal addition. His sideline-to-sideline speed allows him to excel in pass coverage while his strength enables him to shed blocks and make plays against the run. NFL scouts have taken notice of Christopher “Pooh” Paul Jr., who profiles as someone who could make an immediate impact on special teams while developing into a defensive contributor at the professional level.

Early Life and High School Career

Chris Paul Jr.’s journey to becoming a standout linebacker began in the small town of Cordele, Georgia, where he developed his physical playing style and leadership skills. His early development laid the foundation for his impressive high school career and eventual path to Ole Miss.

Georgia Roots

Born and raised in Cordele, Georgia, Chris Paul Jr. grew up in a community where football runs deep in local culture. The small-town environment of this south Georgia community shaped his work ethic and determination.

Cordele, with a population under 11,000, provided the perfect backdrop for Paul to develop his football talents. The region is known for producing tough, physical players who understand the fundamentals of the game.

While specific details about his family background remain limited in public records, it’s clear that his Georgia upbringing influenced his playing style – a combination of southern toughness and technical discipline that would later become his trademark on the field.

High School Accolades

At Crisp County High School, Paul Jr. emerged as a dominant two-way player. His versatility was on full display as he excelled on both sides of the ball, though his defensive prowess would ultimately define his path forward.

Paul’s high school career featured impressive statistics, including 91 total tackles, 20.0 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks during his senior season alone. He also demonstrated playmaking ability by forcing a fumble that same year.

Recruiting services took notice of his potential. Paul Jr. was rated as a consensus three-star prospect by major scouting platforms including 247Sports, Rivals, and ESPN. He ranked as the No. 22 inside linebacker in his class and the No. 61 overall player in Georgia.

His high school performance earned him significant recruiting attention, setting the stage for his collegiate career. Paul’s combination of football IQ, physical play, and leadership qualities made him a coveted recruit despite not being in the five-star conversation.

College Career at Ole Miss

Chris Paul Jr. made a significant impact after transferring to Ole Miss, quickly becoming a cornerstone of the Rebels’ defense with his instinctive play and leadership qualities. His development under Lane Kiffin’s coaching staff transformed him into one of the SEC’s premier linebackers and a legitimate NFL prospect.

Freshman Year Highlights

Paul Jr. began his collegiate journey not at Ole Miss but at Arkansas in 2021, where he played in just four games and took a redshirt. After transferring to Ole Miss, he immediately showed why he was a coveted recruit.

His freshman campaign with the Rebels was nothing short of remarkable. Paul Jr. earned Second-Team Freshman All-American honors from CFN and The Athletic, along with Freshman All-SEC recognition. His instinctive play and tackling ability stood out immediately.

The young linebacker displayed exceptional football IQ, often diagnosing plays before they developed. He recorded 62 tackles, including 8 tackles for loss, announcing himself as a rising star in the SEC’s defensive ranks.

Sophomore Season Progress

Building on his freshman success, Paul Jr.’s sophomore season showed significant development in his pass-rushing abilities. The linebacker became more disruptive in the backfield, recording 6.5 sacks and forcing 3 fumbles across 12 games.

His improvement against the run was particularly notable, as he became more efficient at shedding blocks and making plays at or behind the line of scrimmage. The coaching staff praised his film study habits and preparation.

Paul Jr.’s sophomore statistics reflected his growing influence:

Category	Total	Rank on Team
Tackles	78	2nd
Tackles for Loss	12.5	1st
Sacks	6.5	2nd
Forced Fumbles	3	1st

NFL scouts began taking notice of his combination of speed and power, with many projecting him as a potential mid-round prospect.

Junior Year Breakthrough

Paul Jr.’s junior season represented his true breakthrough as a national defensive standout. The linebacker emerged as the emotional leader of Ole Miss’s defense, calling signals and organizing pre-snap adjustments for the entire unit.

His statistical production jumped dramatically, including a career-high 103 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 8 sacks. Paul Jr. demonstrated improved coverage skills, adding 2 interceptions and 5 pass breakups to his resume.

Against Alabama, he delivered his signature performance with 14 tackles, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble in a nationally televised game. This performance vaulted him into first-round NFL draft conversations.

The SEC coaches recognized his dominance by naming him First-Team All-SEC, while his leadership kept the Rebels in contention for the conference title despite facing several offensive injuries.

Senior Season and Legacy

Paul Jr.’s senior campaign cemented his legacy as one of Ole Miss’s greatest defensive players. The linebacker earned First-Team All-America honors from USA Today and Second-Team recognition from CFN, capping a remarkable college career.

His production remained elite with 92 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, and 7 sacks. Most impressively, he allowed just a 67.3 passer rating when targeted in coverage, showcasing his three-down capabilities.

Paul Jr. received an invite to the 2025 NFL Combine, where scouts praised his sideline-to-sideline speed and football intelligence. Draft analysts project him as a potential top-40 selection with his combination of production, athleticism, and character.

His legacy at Ole Miss extends beyond statistics. Paul Jr. helped transform the program’s defensive culture, establishing a standard of excellence and accountability that will benefit the Rebels long after his departure.

Statistical Overview

Chris Paul Jr. has established himself as a defensive force at Ole Miss with impressive numbers across key defensive categories. His consistent production and impact on the field are reflected in his statistical achievements during his time with the Rebels.

Tackles and Assists

Paul Jr. has been a tackling machine for the Rebels. During the 2024 season, he recorded 48 solo tackles, showcasing his ability to finish plays independently.

His overall career numbers demonstrate his consistent presence in the heart of the Ole Miss defense. Prior to transferring to Ole Miss, Paul Jr. built his reputation at Arkansas where he developed his tackling technique and football IQ.

What stands out about Paul’s tackling ability is his form – he wraps up ball carriers with textbook technique, rarely missing in open-field situations. His combination of strength and speed allows him to pursue sideline-to-sideline.

NFL scouts have taken notice of his reliable tackling, an essential skill that translates immediately to the professional level.

Tackles for Loss

Paul Jr. has been exceptional at penetrating the backfield and disrupting plays. He ranked fourth among all Rebels with 11.0 tackles for loss during the regular season, demonstrating his ability to read plays and attack gaps.

His instincts for timing blitzes and recognizing run plays before they develop make him particularly effective at creating negative yardage situations. Against SEC competition, this skill becomes even more valuable.

Season	Tackles for Loss
2024 Regular Season	11.0

Paul’s ability to diagnose plays quickly and shoot gaps in the offensive line has made him a headache for opposing offensive coordinators. His pursuit angle when chasing down running backs is nearly flawless.

This disruptive ability in the backfield has significantly boosted his NFL draft stock, with analysts noting his potential as a three-down linebacker at the professional level.

Sacks and Quarterback Pressures

The Ole Miss linebacker has proven to be an effective pass rusher with 3.5 sacks and nine quarterback hurries during his time with the Rebels. His ability to time blitzes and find paths to the quarterback has added another dimension to his game.

What makes Paul Jr. effective as a pass rusher isn’t just his burst off the line, but his ability to use his hands to disengage from blockers. His technique when rushing has improved significantly during his college career.

When coming on delayed blitzes, Paul shows excellent patience and timing. He doesn’t telegraph his intentions, making it difficult for offensive linemen to adjust to his presence.

Those nine quarterback hurries demonstrate that even when not recording sacks, he’s affecting the passing game by forcing rushed throws and uncomfortable pockets.

Interceptions and Pass Defenses

In coverage, Paul Jr. has shown solid skills with one interception and four pass breakups during the 2024 campaign. His ability to drop into coverage and make plays on the ball adds versatility to his defensive skillset.

Standing at 6’1″ and 235 pounds, Paul has the size and athleticism to match up with tight ends and running backs in coverage. His football IQ allows him to anticipate routes and position himself to make plays.

His interception showcased his hands and ability to capitalize on quarterback mistakes. The four pass breakups highlight his awareness in zone coverage and ability to close quickly on receivers.

In today’s NFL where linebackers must excel in coverage, these statistics bolster his draft profile considerably. Teams are looking for linebackers who can stay on the field for all three downs.

Forced Fumbles and Recoveries

While Paul Jr. hasn’t recorded forced fumbles in the 2024 season according to the available statistics, he has shown an awareness for the ball with one fumble recovery. His ability to locate and secure loose balls demonstrates his football awareness and instincts.

Ball security has become increasingly emphasized at the collegiate and professional levels. As offenses become more explosive, creating turnovers becomes a crucial aspect of defensive success.

Though the forced fumble numbers don’t jump off the page, Paul’s tackling technique suggests this is an area where production could increase. He consistently attacks the ball when making tackles, looking to create turnovers.

His physical style of play, combined with improved technique targeting the football, could translate to more forced fumbles as his career progresses.

Playing Style and Position Analysis

Chris Paul Jr. has emerged as one of college football’s most versatile linebackers. His speed, technique, and football IQ make him a dynamic defender who excels in multiple facets of the game.

Linebacker Responsibilities

Paul Jr. primarily operates as a WILL linebacker in Ole Miss’s defensive scheme. His athleticism and instincts shine in this role. As a true stack defender, he excels at diagnosing plays quickly and taking proper angles to the ball.

His responsibilities include gap control, run support, and coverage duties that require both physical and mental agility. Paul Jr. consistently demonstrates excellent communication skills, often directing pre-snap adjustments for the defense.

In the modern defensive schemes, Paul Jr. showcases versatility by occasionally lining up in different spots. This flexibility makes him valuable in today’s NFL, where defensive coordinators prize linebackers who can stay on the field for all three downs.

NFL scouts have noted his football intelligence, which allows him to process information quickly and react faster than many of his peers.

Strengths and Tackle Technique

Paul Jr. stands out for his exceptional tackling ability, with many analysts considering him the best tackler in his draft class. He consistently demonstrates textbook form, driving through contact with excellent technique.

His tackle statistics reflect this proficiency:

Season	Total Tackles	Solo	TFL	Missed Tackle %
2023	102	48	9.5	8.2%
2024*	68	34	7.5	7.1%
*2024 stats through 8 games

Paul Jr. brings surprising play strength for his size. He strikes with authority and wraps up effectively, rarely allowing additional yards after contact.

His quick trigger allows him to deliver downhill hits that stop ball carriers in their tracks. This aggressive style doesn’t come at the expense of control – he maintains proper balance and rarely overruns plays.

Coverage Skills and Interceptions

In an era where linebackers must excel in coverage, Paul Jr. separates himself with his ability to match up with tight ends and running backs. His fluid hips and change-of-direction skills allow him to carry vertical routes effectively.

Paul Jr. demonstrates excellent pattern recognition in zone coverage, anticipating throws and jumping routes. This awareness has resulted in 4 interceptions and 8 pass breakups over his college career.

His coverage responsibilities have expanded each season, reflecting the coaching staff’s growing confidence in his abilities. Against spread offenses, Paul Jr. has shown comfort operating in space – a crucial skill for NFL linebackers.

Most impressive is his ability to disguise coverage intentions pre-snap, often baiting quarterbacks into throws that appear safe but quickly turn dangerous when he closes on the ball.

Pass Rush and Sack Ability

Though not his primary responsibility, Paul Jr. has developed into an effective blitzer when called upon. His burst off the line and closing speed make him dangerous when attacking gaps.

Paul Jr. has recorded 6.5 sacks over his collegiate career, showcasing good timing and the ability to slip blocks. His pass rush moves remain relatively basic but effective – he relies primarily on speed and a surprising bull rush for his size.

When deployed as a blitzer, he shows natural timing and gap recognition. Defensive coordinators have increasingly utilized his quickness in pressure packages, particularly in obvious passing situations.

NFL scouts project Paul Jr. as a day two draft selection who could rise with a strong combine performance. His immediate impact on special teams is virtually guaranteed, with the potential to develop into a three-down linebacker who can contribute in multiple phases of defense.

Awards and Recognitions

Chris Paul Jr. has established himself as one of college football’s premier linebackers through his exceptional play and numerous accolades. His trophy case continues to grow as he dominates the defensive side of the ball for Ole Miss.

All-SEC Selections

Paul’s SEC journey began impressively while at Arkansas, where he earned Freshman All-SEC honors in 2022 after recording 62 tackles. This early recognition signaled his potential as a defensive force in the conference.

After transferring to Ole Miss, Paul has continued to elevate his game. His ability to diagnose plays, shed blockers, and deliver punishing tackles has made him one of the most feared linebackers in the SEC.

NFL scouts have taken notice of Paul’s SEC performances. His combination of football IQ, physicality, and leadership projects him as a potential day two selection in the upcoming NFL Draft.

National Awards and Nominations

Paul’s excellence has transcended conference recognition, earning him consideration for the nation’s top defensive honors. Most notably, Paul was named one of five collegiate finalists for the prestigious 2024 Butkus Award, which recognizes the country’s best linebacker.

His national profile received another boost when he was invited to the 2025 NFL Combine, where he’ll have the opportunity to showcase his skills in front of NFL personnel from all 32 teams.

Paul has also collected impressive All-America honors, including First Team recognition from USA Today and Second Team honors from College Football News. These accolades validate his standing as one of college football’s elite defenders.

Professional Outlook

Chris Paul Jr. has positioned himself as one of the more intriguing linebacker prospects heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. His combination of football intelligence, versatility, and physical play have scouts taking notice as teams look to bolster their defensive cores.

2025 NFL Draft Prospects

Chris Paul Jr. currently projects as a likely day two selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, with most analysts slotting him between rounds 2-3. His stock has been steadily rising following an impressive senior season at Ole Miss where he led the team with 88 tackles.

What sets Paul apart is his three-down capability. Unlike some linebacker prospects who excel in either pass coverage or run defense, Paul has demonstrated proficiency in both areas.

NFL teams particularly value his diagnostic skills – he consistently reads plays quickly and takes proper angles to the ball carrier.

Draft Projection	Strengths	Areas for Improvement
Rounds 2-3	Tackling technique	Pass rush moves
5th-7th LB taken	Play recognition	Man coverage
45-75 overall	Sideline-to-sideline range	Adding bulk

His leadership qualities and high football IQ make him an attractive option for teams needing immediate linebacker depth with starter potential.

Scouting Combine Performance

Paul’s performance at the NFL Scouting Combine offered a mixed bag for evaluators. He measured 6’1″, 222 pounds and ran a 4.63 40-yard dash, placing him tied for 11th among linebackers in speed.

While not elite speed for the position, his game film shows better functional quickness than his timed speed might suggest. His lateral agility drills impressed scouts more than his straight-line numbers.

The interview portion of the combine process reportedly went exceptionally well, with multiple teams noting his football intelligence and ability to break down complex defensive concepts.

His bench press and vertical jump numbers were solid if unspectacular, reinforcing the notion that Paul is more technician than athletic specimen. Teams seem more focused on his production and instincts than raw physical traits.

Team Interest and Interviews

Several linebacker-needy teams have shown particular interest in Paul, with formal interviews already conducted by organizations looking to bolster their defensive second level. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have emerged as a potential landing spot, potentially viewing Paul as an eventual replacement for veteran Lavonte David.

The Buffalo Bills have also shown significant interest, drawn to his versatility and intensity. Paul’s ability to contribute on special teams immediately while developing into a potential starter fits their draft philosophy.

Teams with multiple defensive coordinators in their interview rooms have been particularly impressed with Paul’s schematic versatility. He’s demonstrated comfort in both 4-3 and 3-4 defensive alignments.

His pro day performance, where he improved on several combine numbers, has reportedly moved him up several teams’ draft boards as April approaches.

Personal Life

Chris Paul Jr.’s life beyond the football field reveals a dedicated family man with strong academic pursuits and diverse interests that have shaped his character as he prepares for a potential NFL career.

Family Background

Born on November 4, 2002, Chris Paul Jr. comes from a family with strong military ties. His father, Chris Paul Sr., is a United States Navy veteran, instilling discipline and work ethic that’s evident in his playing style.

Unlike his NBA namesake, the Ole Miss linebacker has no relation to the basketball star Chris Paul of the San Antonio Spurs. This is a common misconception that follows the young athlete.

Paul Jr. grew up in a large family in Cordele, Georgia. He has six older sisters and one younger brother, making him part of a tight-knit family unit that has supported his athletic journey from Crisp County High School to the SEC.

His mother, Velieka, has been another constant source of support throughout his football career, attending games and helping guide his development from high school standout to collegiate linebacker.

Academic Achievements

At Ole Miss, Paul Jr. has maintained strong academic standing while balancing the demands of SEC football. His classroom performance reflects the same discipline he shows on the field.

Before transferring to Ole Miss, Paul Jr. demonstrated his academic abilities at Arkansas, where he managed to excel in his studies while contributing to the Razorbacks’ defense.

His academic focus aligns well with NFL scouts’ assessment of his football IQ. Draft analysts note his intelligent play and ability to quickly process offensive schemes – skills that translate from classroom to football field.

Academic Achievements	Details
Major	Business/Sports Management (estimated)
Academic Honors	SEC Academic Honor Roll (multiple appearances)
Graduation	On track for degree completion

Off-Field Interests

When Paul Jr. isn’t studying game film or hitting the weight room, he dedicates time to community service activities in Oxford. He continues volunteer work he began at Arkansas.

His social media presence shows a balanced life outside football, with interests in music and spending time with teammates. He’s known for his leadership qualities that extend beyond team practices.

Paul Jr. has expressed interest in football coaching or sports management as potential post-playing career paths. This demonstrates long-term thinking that impresses NFL scouts. Currently projected as a mid-to-late round selection, his maturity and character are frequently cited as positive draft attributes.

His linebacker profile as a modern NFL WILL position player is enhanced by his disciplined approach to training and preparation. These habits were formed through his upbringing and personal interests in athletic development.