Coach Nutt hopes Pierce will return

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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- Arkansas running back Mark Pierce has left the team, at least temporarily, and coach Houston Nutt says he doesn't know whether the junior will be back for preseason drills.


"Mark Pierce has had a lot of issues,'' Nutt said. "His father passed away, and it has been a very tough last six months. He is dealing with some things.''


Nutt said Pierce is in good academic standing, and could play in the coming season. Pierce also could be redshirted, Nutt said.


At a meeting of The Associated Press Arkansas Sportswriters Association on Wednesday, Nutt said he is hopeful.


"We're hoping he'll be back,'' Nutt told the association. "We have a lot of confidence that he will. He's got a lot of problems right now. Debbie Pierce, Mark's mother, was very adamant. They're nervous. They know how rumors fly. They just want some privacy. It's a family matter.''


Nutt said Tuesday that Pierce could still play this season.


"Mark Pierce might be back here and ready to go by next week, but I don't know that,'' Nutt said. "I know that some things are heavily, heavily wrong and (they are) some things professionals need to deal with.''


Last season, Pierce started nine of the Razorbacks' 14 games. He rushed for six touchdowns, and gained 204 yards on 37 carries. He caught 10 passes for 104 yards and a pair of TDs.


Arkansas opens its season Sept. 6 against Tulsa at Fayetteville.

Sounds like he is going thru a rough time, hopefully though, he will deal with those issues and get back to playing football. I wish him the best.

Pierce wasn't the same after his dad died of a heart attack 3 days after the HOGS beat LSU. His grandmom just died as well, so he's been taking it pretty hard.

He's a great player, and I hope he comes back or that we can redshirt him for this year if he doesn't. He apparently has sounded a lot better having been home for a couple of days. As for the team, at least the backfield is one area that the HOGS have no concerns about. Farod Jackson can step in at any time, Brandon Holmes can come in at any time. The probability is that they'll move Cobbs, with his big frame, to FB and let DeArrius Howard have the TB position. Having both Cobbs and Howard out there is a comfort for the HOGS.

We hope Pierce gets better, but football-wise, we're thankful for a very deep backfield.

WPS

I missed his position the first time I read that story, so yea, I'm sure y'all are doing just fine at the RB spot without him. Although, I know everyone wishes him well and wants him back, especially for the future. Thanks, CTH.