Michigan Lives Up to Poole's Expectations

Antonio Poole commited to the Wolverines last week and took in his official visit to Ann Arbor over the weekend. GoBlueWolverine caught up with him to discuss the visit, where he’ll play and another prospect.

Antonio Poole, Scout’s no. 13 rated outside linebacker, committed to Michigan sight unseen last week. That is no longer the case, as Poole got to see Ann Arbor for the first time in official visit capacity.

“It was good,” Poole told GoBlueWolverine. “I got to meet all the academic personnel and all the people involved in that. I spent time with the coaches and the players.”

Meeting longer with the coaches also took place for Poole, though he had built a solid relationship with the two Michigan Headmen during his short recruitment and subsequent commitment.

“I had a good feel for Coach Mattison and Coach Hoke from the few times I got to talk to them and the in-home visits and stuff like that. I could just really see myself playing with them.”

Poole also took in the Wolverines facilities and especially the Big House.

“It was all nice, it was great. They had great facilities and a nice campus. It was very intense, I can’t wait.”

Poole also learned from Mattison about the defense and his future role in it.

“We just talked about where I’ll be at and how I’m going to be playing Will linebacker and the stuff we’re going to do, and how I’m going to play in his defense.”

Poole spent time with the players on his visit, and got a bit of a challenge from his player host.

“It was Taylor Lewan,” Poole remarked. “It was nice, man. He was a cool guy. I can’t wait to go against him in practice. We had a nice time and he was saying how he didn’t give up a sack and I told him I’m going to keep going against him in practice until I get one.”

One of the last things that Poole accomplished on his visit was putting on his recruiting hat and working on Chris Barnett, whom he also was with on an official visit to Miami (FL).

“I was saying that to him the whole time. I think he had a pretty good time too. I think there is a chance and we’ll find out signing day. He didn’t tell me too much. We’ll find out, I’m just like you (laughter).”