Poole's list of suitors continues to grow

The list of suitors seeking the services of Brian Poole continues to grow and there are now eight programs seriously interested in the Southeast High junior, including some big heavyweights.

It has not been determined whether the 5-11, 190 pounder will play defensive back or running back in college. But to most of the schools it doesn’t matter. They just want his services.

He is being pursued by schools from the SEC, Big 10, ACC, Big East and Notre Dame where he recently made an unofficial visit.

Florida and Georgia from the SEC have targeted Poole after he ran a sub 4.4 at the Gators Friday Night Lights camp last summer. Ohio State is also in there along with Notre Dame, South Carolina and Miami and South Florida.

In his first year as a fulltime running back, Poole is averaging nearly 7 yards per carry and has shown an elusiveness that could many didn’t know about until this season.

Poole says he would prefer to play defensive back in college because he believes that is his best path to the NFL. He points to former Manatee County standouts now playing defensive back in the NFL: Mike Jenkins (Dallas), Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie (Arizona) and Fabian Washington (Baltimore).