Finding a new home

The 6' 5", 315 pound left guard out of Lincoln (FL) has a military upbringing, so staying in one place has not been a common theme.

"No, we have bounced a lot," stated a chuckling Hunter Poole. "I was actually born in Columbus (MS) and we lived there until I was four. This is my first year at Lincoln (FL). I played for Thomas County Central (GA) the last two years."

The transition from playing in Georgia to Florida has been a positive one for Poole.

"They pass the ball a whole lot more here. In Georgia, all you do is run, run, and run some more when in doubt. I have learned a lot more techniques since I have been at Lincoln. I feel like my overall skills as a lineman are more complete in every aspect of the game."

Hunter was named All-Region and Area the past two years in the state of Georgia, but it is another record that stands out.

"I hold two world records in the dead lift and bench press for the 15 and under group. I benched 405 pounds in a state meet as a 15 year old and I dead lifted 540."

What does the 17 year old now bench and deadlift?

"430 and 600."

Which colleges are showing the most interest?

"I am definitely getting the most mail from Duke, Ball State, and East Carolina, which are the three schools who have offered me. As far as the other schools, I would have to say Georgia Tech, Florida, FSU and some of the Big 10 schools. Those are the main ones. And Ole Miss too. Their recruiting coordinator and I talked a lot in the Spring. I think they are real close to offering me. I have also talked many times with the LSU coaches. They talk about their upcoming season and how they won the national championship last year."

Which colleges have caught Poole's eye so far?

"I like Florida State and Georgia. I have always kind of been a fan of them growing up. I also like Duke a lot because of their academics."

Which colleges would Hunter like to see increase their interest?

"Florida State, Florida, and Georgia Tech. Tech is probably the closest to offering me next. They talk to my coaches a lot, and they tell me that they are really interested."

Poole has only been on one recruiting trip this year and that was to Georgia.

"We went over there the weekend before last. We met with Coach Richt and their offensive line coach. We talked about my summer and upcoming season. They are the preseason #1 ranked team, so there are a lot of expectations over there. Georgia is showing me a lot of interest right now. Hopefully that will lead to an offer. I think with me moving around so much, a lot of teams want to get another look at me my senior year before making a decision. I don't mind. I will be patient."