Will Antonio Poole see the field this year?

Submitted by marlon on

In his 2011 recruiting wrap-up profile of Antonio Poole, Brian wrote:

With almost literally no depth at WLB and a horde of linebackers in the 2012 class, Poole is highly unlikely to redshirt.

Subsequently, in the Fall Roster Overanalysis 2011, Brian noted:

With Kellen Jones gone he's got a major opportunity to play right away and at 212 he's not much slimmer than Jones.

On a defense with almost literally no depth at WLB and which saw everyone but the fourth chair tuba see playing time against Western, Poole was noticeably absent from the field.  Come to think of it, Poole's been noticeably absent from practice reports, too.

I know he's a true freshman and that it's early in the season, but the lack of an iota of data on him coming out of camp is a bit perplexing.  Anyone know the story here?

Wolverine0056

September 7th, 2011 at 1:30 PM ^

If Herron, Jones, etc. can play consistent, I would rather see Poole RS. I know with our LB crop that is coming in next year our depth will be a bit better, but I say let Poole bulk up and learn the defense. I am one that hopes we can get away from playing a ton of freshmen, especially ones not ready to play, and build depth. 

neoavatara

September 7th, 2011 at 1:31 PM ^

Really depends on the progress of Herron, Jones, Cam, etc.  Right now, unless we have injuries,  my guess is he either redshirts or plays some on special teams. 

Booyah Brady

September 7th, 2011 at 1:31 PM ^

Everyone was talking about Poole having a chance to be on depth chart, but I think Morgan has filled that spot. My guess would be that Poole will redshirt since he is a bit under-sized.

JC3

September 7th, 2011 at 1:33 PM ^

It looks like Poole is going to redshirt. Which is a good thing, because after seeing him in practice he looks more like a safety than a linebacker, at least size-wise. 

UMaD

September 7th, 2011 at 1:36 PM ^

Herron/Jones/Morgan @ WLB

Demens/Evans/Fitzgerald @MLB

Gordon/Ryan/Beyer @SLB

LB's not a position where you want a bunch of freshman playing.  Best if Poole can red-shirt unless he's going to be an asset on special teams.

Germany Shultz

September 7th, 2011 at 1:51 PM ^

I was thumbing through the roster this morning and had the same thought about Poole. I actually thought he had a chance to make more of an impact than Jones and was very surprised to have heard nothing about him. Hearing absolutely no buzz is always a bad sign, notwithstanding the 'he's only a true frosh' bit. Even if a frosh redshirts, you want to hear something positive about how they're progressing or what their potential is. I did see him on the sideline Saturday. So he exists.

WolvinLA2

September 7th, 2011 at 2:23 PM ^

Come on, many true frown don't get any mention and end up being very good players, especially players that come in a little undersized. We didn't hear a peep about Kenny Demens for two full years, and now he's one of our best player. I don't recall hearing anything about RVB as a frown either. Guys redshirt a lot, and that doesn't mean he won't be a great player down the road.

Ohioblueblood

September 7th, 2011 at 1:59 PM ^

Said he is redshirting....and he thinks that best for him to bulk up and learn the D....Says he loves and trust the coaches more than anyhting and they know whats best for him.