Wolfpack Lands a Big One in Top LB Target Poole

SI All-American candidate Jordan Poole took longer than expected to make his college decision, but the wait was worth it for NC State. The top linebacker target from West Stanly High School has committed to the Wolfpack

Jordan Poole took longer than expected to announce where he plans to play football in college.

But as it turned out, the wait was worth it for NC State.

The Sports Illustrated All-American candidate from West Stanly High School in Oakboro committed to the Wolfpack on Saturday, ending a nervous month of anticipation for coach Dave Doeren and his staff. 

Poole, 6-foot, 225-pounds, has been one of State's most coveted uncommitted recruit in the current cycle. He becomes the 16th committed player and 12th SIAA1000 preseason All-American in Doeren’s 2021 class.

While the Wolfpack had long been considered the favorite for one of North Carolina's highest-rated prospects, he raised speculation that his might be wavering when he  backed off his original commitment date of July 1 -- calling it a "business decision" -- to give himself more time to consider his decision.

Virginia Tech and South Carolina were his other two announced finalists.

"I just want to be completely sure about my decision," he said last month. "I guess I was still kind of flip-flopping and I just wanted to be bought in 100- percent on my decision and make sure I made a good, sound decision."

By choosing the Wolfpack, Poole follows in the footsteps of fellow West Stanly product and current New York Giant B.J. Hill, as well his cousin C.J. Clark, a defensive tackle already at State.

Poole rushed for more than 1,500 yards and 22 touchdowns as a junior at West Stanly. His future, however, is on the defensive side of the ball.

SI's director of football recruiting John Garcia Jr. describes Poole as "fearless," while faving about his instincts as a linebacker.

Here's an excerpt from Garcia's evaluation of Poole from his SI All-American profile:

"Poole breaks down before making a tackle in the hole, and he explodes through the ball carrier. Will take on an offensive lineman in the hole like a pro. Good lateral pursuit during screens and sweeps.

"Poole is an old-school linebacker with enormous hitting power. He reads offensive linemen and commonly beats them to the ball carrier when they pull. Played safety in high school, so he understands coverage quite well."

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