Pierce leaves team, status unknown

FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - Arkansas running back Mark Pierce has left the team, at least temporarily, and coach Houston Nutt says he doesn&#39;t know whether the junior will be back for pre-season drills. <br> <br> ``Mark Pierce has had a lot of issues,&#39;&#39; Nutt said. ``His father passed away, and it has been a very tough last six months. He is dealing with some things.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> Nutt said Pierce is in good academic standing, and could play in the coming season. Pierce also could be redshirted, Nutt said. <br> <br> ``Mark Pierce might be back here and ready to go by next week, but I don&#39;t know that,&#39;&#39; Nutt said. ``I know that some things are heavily, heavily wrong and (they are) some things professionals need to deal with.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> Last season, Pierce started nine of the Razorbacks&#39; 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. <br> <br> Arkansas opens its season Sept. 6 against Tulsa at Fayetteville.

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