Maryland is still the only school to offer linebacker Ben Pooler, but he has been hearing from several others. What did he think of the camp he recently attended at UVa?
“The UVa camp was a very positive experience,” said the 6-3, 235-pound linebacker from Lawrenceville, NJ. “It was just a one day thing, but I feel like I learned a lot. Every time I visit a school that I haven’t seen yet everyone goes out of their way to make it special. Virginia was no different. I was very impressed with what I saw.
“I like how their coaching staff really tries to build guys up. They’re good at encouraging and inspiring, so I felt a lot of positives vibes coming from them.”
While Pooler has heard from a lot of schools the Terps are the only school to formally offer him. Is there a chance that might change in the near future?
“Maryland’s offer is still on the table, and fortunately it’s a school I’m very interested in,” said Pooler. “I feel comfortable with Coach Friedgen and their whole staff, and it’s not too far from home. I camped there just before I camped at Virginia. I’m not ready to make a decision yet though, and I’d like to see who else is going to offer me.”
Pooler is also receiving a lot of attention from South Florida, Iowa, Purdue, Rutgers, Syracuse, Michigan State, Penn State, Kent State and Cincinnati. He mentioned that Maryland has a slight edge, being the only school to offer thus far.
How would Pooler describe his game?
“I think I have a lot of the things that you would want all linebackers to have. I think I have the speed, strength and all the other physical talent you need, but it’s more than that. I have the intangibles linebackers need.
“I’m intense and I have a love for the game. I react well to developments on the field, and I consider myself very coachable. I have respect for every coach I play under.”
Pooler is being recruited as a linebacker by all of the schools he is hearing from, although he has also excelled as a running back. Last year he recorded 50 tackles and five sacks for Lawrenceville Prep. He plans on making a decision before the end of the summer.