Zach Poole // '26 Guard, Tackle // Lincoln Community High School // 6'6, 315lbs

jennycz27
6 days ago
3 min read

By: Jenny

Every Football Player Has A Story To Tell

At 6-foot-6 and 315 pounds, Zach Poole doesn’t just block defenders—he erases them. The Class of 2026 lineman from Lincoln Community High School has quietly become one of the most intriguing offensive line prospects in Illinois, and now, with his first Division II offer in hand, college coaches are starting to take notice.

For Poole, who plays both guard and tackle, the offer from Missouri Southern State University wasn’t just a milestone. It was a validation of years of work—and a spark that’s only intensified his focus.

"Getting that first offer was the best feeling ever," Zach says. "It meant a lot that a coaching staff believed in me enough to give me that opportunity."

What separates Poole isn’t just his size—though his frame is certainly eye-catching for recruiters—but his adaptability and approach to the game. Coaches at both the high school and collegiate levels have praised his coachability, willingness to play multiple positions on the line, and physical edge in the run game.

Poole is a mauler in the trenches, yet he speaks like a student of the game. He’s quick to talk about pad level, footwork, and the little things that win reps at the line of scrimmage.

"I’ve been focusing on pad height coming off the line," he says. "That’s the biggest piece I’m trying to sharpen heading into this season."

Since receiving his offer, Poole has made visits to Lindenwood, Minnesota, and Illinois—each experience giving him a closer look at the level of intensity and discipline required in college programs.

Of those visits, Lindenwood left a strong impression.

"The energy at practice really stood out," he says. "Coach Harris told me he sees me at tackle in their system, and all the players were pushing each other. It was just a great environment."

A trip to Minnesota gave Poole a taste of Big Ten football, and it lit a fire.

"Seeing how those guys moved, how the coaching staff operated—it gave me chills," he says. "I know I need to grind every day to compete at that level."

But perhaps the most personal visit was to Illinois, the team he grew up watching with his dad.

"It felt full circle," Zach shares. "Just being on campus, talking with the coaches—it was surreal. It meant a lot."

He also connected with Zy Crisler, a former Illini lineman now at Colorado, who has continued to mentor Poole through texts and advice.

As Poole enters his senior year, he’s stepping into a clear leadership role at Lincoln. The team is coming off a 4–5 season, but Zach isn’t dwelling on the past. Instead, he’s focused on setting a new tone in the weight room and on the field.

"The culture shift is real," he says. "The weight room is packed, guys are staying after to put in extra work. We’re building something."

Asked about goals for the season, Poole doesn’t hesitate.

"A state championship. That’s the goal," he says. "I know it’s not easy, but we’re working like it’s possible."

Zach is quick to credit those who’ve helped him get this far—especially Coach Curtis, Lincoln’s strength coach, who has gone above and beyond to open training opportunities.

"Coach Curtis changed everything for me. He pushed me to train with older guys, helped me grow physically and mentally. I wouldn’t be in this position without him."

With more college visits planned this summer and the potential for additional offers on the horizon, Zach Poole’s recruiting story is far from over. But for now, his focus remains on improving, leading, and showing every coach who watches his tape that he’s worth betting on.

"I’ll play wherever I can help my team win," he says. "That’s just who I am."

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