Central High School lineman Tedarrell Poole signed a letter of intent Friday to continue his football career at Tuskegee University, the reigning Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference champion in NCAA Division II.
Do-everything teammate Daniel White likewise certified his decision to play for NAIA member Bethel College in McKenzie, Tenn.
They make six seniors going on to college programs from the first Purple Pounders playoff team in six years.
“These are both really good role models, kids that set a good example for everybody and particularly for the younger guys on the team,” Central principal Finley King said. “They can look up to them and see that the way they do things pays off.”
Tuskegee went 10-2 and won the Pioneer Bowl last fall. Poole (6-foot-2, 250), a Best of Preps all-city selection, was a two-way tackle for the Pounders but said the Golden Tigers coaches plan for him to play offensive guard.
“I think he projects well there,” Central coach David Barger said. “He still has some filling out to do, and he was our most consistent lineman.”
White (6-3, 230) was signed as an “athlete” after serving as Central’s backup quarterback and elsewhere after being the starting right guard as a junior. He was a defensive end after earlier work at linebacker.
“Daniel could end up at tight end, defensive end or possibly at outside linebacker for Bethel,” Barger said. “With his build and athleticism, he can play any of those positions.”