2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Ryan Poole, DB, William & Mary
- Name: Ryan Poole
- Height: 5’11”
- Weight: 185 lbs.
- Position: DB
- College: College of William & Mary
- Twitter: R__poole03
- Instagram: R__poole03
Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
I recently graduated with a degree in Business Analytics with a focus in Finance. Moving forward, I will be pursuing my Master’s in Business Administration. I’ve been a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, serving as the president for the Xi-Theta Chapter. I also completed an internship last summer with Morgan Stanley.
What do your teammates say is your best quality?
My accountability. I show up and do things the right way. I take pride in my preparation and my ability to be one of the leaders of our team.
What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I played a lot of nickel building up to last year when I was mostly the boundary corner. I take pride in my physicality, stepping up in the run game and my ability to play press. I have no problem playing in the box and being that physical, gritty type. I prefer press-man, yet I can also do zone well. I move around within our schemes in different packages. I’ve also been a key member on special teams, being a gunner and rushing off the edge. I had a blocked kick my freshman year.
Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
I’ve played against a lot of great competition in the CAA. Last year, I played opposite Jackson Parham of Elon. That was a good match up. He’s a good player who’s tall and uses his body well, fairly agile for his size.
Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Corey Parker was my role model coming into our program. He set the standard in his preparation and helped me learn how to watch tape.
Zyquan Bassant is a very underrated player on our defense at NT. He’s a force and very strong in the weight room. He came in as a walk-on, earned a scholarship and now he’s one of our team captains. He puts in a lot of work.
David Roulley is an up-and-coming player in the secondary with a lot of potential. He impressed me as a freshman. He plays fast and tackles very well. I’m looking forward to what he’ll be able to do this season.
Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
During my freshman and part of my sophomore camp, I was struggling with a health issue that kept me from playing. It took me a while to get the right treatment in order for me to be cleared. I had to lean on my coaches and trust the process. I took the opportunity to study more film and prepare myself for when I was able to return. I was able to weather the storm and finally get my opportunity. At the beginning of my sophomore season, one of our players went down with an injury giving me the opportunity to play. I took advantage of it, solidifying my role on the team.
If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
I played baseball my whole life up until my senior year of high school when I decided to focus on football. If there was no football, I would have stuck with baseball.
What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I’m very proud of my opportunity at William & Mary and obtaining my degree. I’m proud of representing my family and being a good brother to my siblings. My biggest achievement in football was being named Phil Steele First Team All-CAA in 2021.
Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
My sophomore season against Elon, we played 5 overtimes, going back and forth. Being in the 5th overtime, we were just going for 2-point conversions. We had scored giving us the lead and Elon took the field to have their last opportunity. For the last play, my coaches switched things up, bringing me in as the nickel. Elon ran a fade in my direction with me as the “young inexperienced player”. I was able to break up the pass and end the game.
Another moment that sticks out is our game against Towson in 2021. We knew going in that they were going to try to be a physical team running the ball. Coming out at half-time, they ran it my way, and as I came around the corner, I was able to force a fumble. We scored shortly after, helping us pull away with the victory.
Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
I’m a Baltimore Ravens fan. My all-time favorite player to watch has been Patrick Peterson. He was one of the best press corners when he was in his prime. Right now, I like watching Marlon Humphrey. He’s a physical, gritty, run defender.
Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
My favorite artist is Brent Faiyaz. Before games, I like to listen to “Documentary” and “Know no Better” by YFN.
What is your favorite comfort food?
My comfort food is definitely my mom’s chili. Pip’s Dock Street Dogs is a great place to go to in Annapolis for good burgers and dogs.
Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
The Transformers Movies are some of my favorites. Breaking Bad is a TV show that I really like. Chadwick Boseman is one of my favorite actors. His movie “42” about the story of Jackie Robinson is a really good one.
What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
In my spare time, I like to go fishing. I also consider myself a bit of a gamer and play video games like War Zone and Rainbow 6.
Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I simply love it. I was first introduced to football by watching my dad play Madden, learning coverages. What motivates me are all the people that have believed in me over the years. My family, friends and coaches who have stuck with me. I play for those that have always been in my corner. I’m truly grateful for everyone along the way.
Content Creator & Senior Writer for NFL Draft Diamonds. Independent Scouting Consultant.