South Carolina talking ‘all the time’ to two-way North Carolina athlete
One of South Carolina top targets remains Oakboro, North Carolina linebacker Jordan Poole (6-foot-1, 225 pounds). Poole has set June 19 for a commitment announcement, and at this point he’s keeping his options open and not ruling out any of the interested parties. The Gamecocks have been among the most interested and they show that to Poole regularly with all forms of contact they can muster during this pandemic that has shut down in person recruiting.
“I talk to their coaches all the time really, at least one of them once a day,” Poole said. “Most of their coaches recruit pretty hard and we’re starting to build a pretty good relationship. Coach (Kyle) Krantz, Coach T-Rob (Travaris Robinson) and Coach (Will) Muschamp. The other day they sent me a whole junior day type thing, like virtual junior day type thing for linebackers. Just really showing the facility, talk about the upgrades they are making, future plans. I can see a relationship being built for sure. They’ve definitely made me a priority for sure.”
Poole has a good feel for the Gamecocks defense, and that’s another point in their favor as they pursue him against other major programs, but as his only SEC offer at this point.
“I could see me fitting in there,” Poole said. “I kind of fit their defense. It’s an SEC school, so you’ve got to be fast and be able to run, and be aggressive, and somebody who can play in space and be able to chase the ball. I think I kind of it into their defensive scheme because that’s kind of what they’re about.”
Florida State and Boston College were the latest offers for Poole. He also counts as offers Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, NC State, Louisville, Appalachian State, Duke, Virginia, Charlotte, Old Dominion and Coastal Carolina. Along with USC, Poole said NC State, Virginia Tech and Appalachian State have been showing a lot of interest.
“I’m kind of wide open,” Poole said. “The way things have been going I’ve decided just to kind of be wide open, not really narrowing down. I want to see how it pans out I guess. Hopefully, my list will add on a little more, some more doors open up, add a couple of more opportunities and then hopefully be able to knock the list down a little bit and figure out where I will come home I guess.”
Last season Poole registered 36 tackles with one interception. He also is a talented running back who rushed for over 1500 yards last season. He’s rated a three-star in the 247Sports Composite, and ranked the No. 68 athlete nationally and the No. 44 prospect in North Carolina.