We continue our Rising Star series with the behemoth from Jena, OL/DL Hunter Poole. Everything about Hunter as a prospect begins with his size – he is 6’5″ 315 lbs. As an 8th grader. That’s not some inflated number either – Poole truly looks the part of a guy who could play on Sundays just from his size. Obviously he has a long way to go and a lot to learn if he wants to get there, but size is the one thing nobody can teach, and he has it in spades.
Throughout the bowl game weekend, there were rumors and legends about Hunter that said he was starting at Jena High School as an 8th grader. Those stories aren’t true, but it says a lot about the potential this kid can have when people are already telling apocryphal tales about him.
Those stories get told for a reason. Poole isn’t some lumbering giant with no athleticism – he has a mind for the game which leads him to know how to use his size. He simply bulldozes people in front of them, blowing past the blockers and throwing the ball carrier down like a rag doll because he’s just so much bigger than them. It was this “bull in a China shop” style of raw power that led him to his two big plays of the game on defense – a big 8 yard tackle for loss, and a safety on just his 2nd play of the day. He also played right tackle on the offensive line, where he helped propel teammate Tyler Simpson to offensive MVP honors as the leading rusher of the entire bowl game series. Hunter Poole can’t wait to have his presence felt at the high school level, and what a big presence it will be.

What got you into football in the first place? What was your first experience with it?
When I first started watching on TV, my favorite player was Tom Brady. He inspired me to play when I was 8 years old. It was really fun and I enjoyed it, so now I get to play over and over every single year.
What’s your favorite part of playing football?
The physicality and the sportsmanship of the game are really fun for me.
What is your biggest strength on the football field?
I can read the offensive line really well. I like to use my size, strength, and technique to get past them. I like to use my knowledge of the game that I’ve gained over the years to use over the opposing side, since I play both sides of the ball.
Which side of the ball do you like playing more?
I like defense, but my main spot is Right Tackle. But I like D-line better. I like to tackle people and hit people with my strength as hard as I can.
What was your favorite game from your career? Why did it stand out to you?
My favorite part of the year was when we beat our rival Winnfield. That was a pretty fun game for me. It wasn’t my best game, but just the tension and rivalry between the two teams was fun to play in.

Tell me about your experience at the bowl game – what did you enjoy about it?
It was very fun for me. Just to play against people my size really excited me, and to be able to test myself was really fun. Winning the whole thing added a cherry on top.
What NFL or college players do you try to model your game after?
Will Campbell. He can do just about everything at LT. He has great footwork, patience, and he can read the defensive end really well. I like to see what he can do and add it to my skills as a RT.
What teams do you like rooting for when you watch sports?
I like LSU, and in the NFL, I root for the Commanders and Jaguars. I like Jayden Daniels, and I really liked Trevor Lawrence when he was at Clemson.
What drew you to Trevor Lawrence?
Trevor wasn’t scared to get hit – he knew where to throw the ball all the time in college. He had confidence and bravery for himself and his teammates, I really liked him for that.
What drew you to Trevor Lawrence?
Trevor wasn’t scared to get hit – he knew where to throw the ball all the time in college. He had confidence and bravery for himself and his teammates, I really liked him for that.

What are you aiming to improve on the most as you move to the High School level?
My speed and strength. I need to increase my speed – defensive ends and linebackers will be a lot faster than at the junior high level, so I need to improve my speed.
What sports do you play other than football?
Sometimes I’ll play basketball, where I play center [unsurprisingly].
What is an interesting fact or hobby about you?
I really like weightlifting. When I’m not weightlifting, I’m thinking about football, or I’m hunting or fishing.
What do you plan to do when your playing days are over?
I really would like to be a coach. I love the game of football, and I really don’t want to leave it. I want to stay active in football.
Why should fans keep their eye on you as a rising star in Louisiana High School Football?
I’m an underdog coming from a smaller school. I’d like to get more well known and get to the big leagues, which is hard to do. But with the way I play the game and try to keep up the teammates when they are down, and with my leadership ability, I think I will succeed.
*We are about to begin the 2025 Gridiron Football Season and if you are a player that wants to be a part of the 2025 Gridiron Football Junior High All-American Bowl Game or the 2025 Gridiron Football Senior All-American Bowl Game, you must be at our events to be considered for the game. This will apply especially to Louisiana athletes since we have growing interest from outside the state. We are inviting top performers from our 7v7 tournaments, our elite camps, and finally, our Gridiron Football Media Day. We already have our first 7v7 tournament and two elite camps posted below. To register, you can click any of the pictures below!

