Talking Summer Showcases With 6'6 Lincoln C/T Zach Poole - Class Of 2026
By: Jenny
Every Football Player Has A Story To Tell
Zach Poole, Lincoln High School, Tackle/Center
Class Of 2026 6'6 305
Jersey #:70 // Positions:T, C // Height & Weight:6'6" 311lbs // 40 Yard Dash:5.75 // Bench:245 // Squat (lbs):415 // Deadlift (lbs):410 // Clean (lbs):165
Zach recently competed in the YAA YouAreAthlete All-American Showcase, the Jed Stugart Mega Football Camp at Lindenwood University-session 1,3,4,5, the Northern Illinois University Big Dogs Camp, the University of Illinois Big Man Camp and the Rising Illini Camp. Here we discuss those experiences.
Which has been the most challenging showcase and why?
Definitely the YouAreAthlete All American showcase in Houston, Texas. This is because of the extremely talented Defensive Linemen I went up against, and also having to battle the TX heat.
Can you tell me about your experience competing in football showcases and how they are helping you improve as a player?
My experience competing in football showcases has been fantastic! I’ve never left a camp dissatisfied with my performance. They’re helping me improve when I pick up bits and pieces of new information. I always sit down and look at video and think “Yeah that one Coach was right, if I would do such and such in this situation, I would have come out victorious or mechanically look better finishing the block”.
How do you think participating in showcases has impacted your recruitment process and opportunities to play at the collegiate level?
These showcases have impacted my recruiting process in a huge way! I’ve gotten followed by and DM’D by many college coaches who seemed pleased by my performance.
What specific skills or techniques have you focused on improving during these showcases?
Staying squared up to the line of scrimmage so I don’t allow the Defensive Lineman to cut back inside on me, and also my hand striking has improved.
Can you share a memorable moment or highlight from one of the showcases you've competed in that stands out to you?
My most memorable moment by far, was getting to talk with Illini O-Line coach, Bart Miller, and getting to talk with Illini Freshman OL Brandon Henson.
How do you stay motivated and focused during intense competition at showcases, and how do you handle pressure situations on the field?
I stay motivated by thinking about my grandfather who passed a while ago, and thinking I want to make him proud. I handle pressure situations by just staying calm and trusting my skills.
How has competing in showcases helped you develop as a leader within your football team?
I’ve developed as a leader within my team by watching how the players and coaches treat camp (with discipline), I learned with that kind of mindset and leadership all these schools have successful programs.
Your goal is to continue your football career beyond high school; how do you plan to continue improving and growing as a player?
I plan to continue growing and improving by watching even more tape on my opponents and getting more work in at the Performance Lab owned by Strength and Conditioning coach, Austin Curtis, to work on pass protection, run game, etc.
In your opinion, what sets you apart from other high school football players who have are competing in these same showcases, and how do you plan to continue standing out at the next level of competition?
What sets me apart from other high school football players is how I handle pressure situations effectively. My focus, my positive mindset, my aggression and my hand speed make me stand out. I plan to continue standing out at the next level of competition by staying dedicated to my training and my strive for improvement.
Deep Dish Football Is Just Not About Recruiting
But About The Love Of The Game Of IHSA Football
RESPECT THE GAME
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