Signing Day Showcase: OLB Antonio Poole


Antonio Poole – OLB
Cincinnatti, OH – Winton Woods HS
The Numbers:
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 225 lbs
Shuttle: 4.65 seconds
Bench press – 285 lbs
Squat – 425 lbs
Vertical jump – 33 inches
Star Watching: Scout – 3 ***, Rivals – 3 ***
Offers: Michigan, Cincinnati, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan State, Pittsburgh, Purdue
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Analysis:  Sometime during the night of Jan 24th Antonio Poole told the Michigan coaches he wanted to become a Michigan Wolverine.  Poole’s commitment to Michigan was two-fold; first he was enamored by Defensive Coordinator Greg Mattison and secondly he wasted little time in explaining his dislike for Ohio State.  In an interview with GoBlueWolverine.com he let those feelings be known saying, ““I was supposed to get an offer from them, so I am about to put all that hate on them,” Poole said emphatically.  “It’s going down!  We are about to flip it around.  I said that would be a big thing going to Michigan just so I could go against Ohio State.”   Quotes like those from a new Michigan player is music to the ears of Michigan fans. 
Poole is expected to play the WILL linebacker position.  He is just slightly undersized for a OLB but not by much.  The average OLB is anywhere from 6’2”-6’4”.  Poole is going to need to add about 15-20 more pounds to be in the right weight range for his position. 
While watching Poole on film what stuck out the most were his instincts.  At the snap of the ball, linebackers will take a step up and read the play then react.  Poole seems to make quick reads and reacts quickly to those reads.  It is always impressive to see a LB end in the backfield making a tackle before the ball is even handed off.  Poole may not have an impressive 40-yard dash but he certainly has the game speed.” He is quick and incisive on the football field.  His film doesn’t show his coverage skills and ability to fight off blocks to well.  Both of those abilities are important to the WILL position for he will be responsible for outside containment and will most likely be chasing the ball carrier from behind. 
With his lunch pail style work ethic and a public distain for Ohio State, Poole is going to fit right in at Michigan.  He is going to add toughness, grit and determination to Michigan’s linebacker corps.








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