Like most sports, in football, there is a huge gap between the varsity and junior varsity squads. However, many believe that size is one factor that is absolutely necessary to succeed. In addition to that, knowledge of the complex formations and plays are pivotal to success. With all these responsibilities, people don’t usually see many freshman on the varsity football team for one or more reasons. But for freshman Bumper Pool, nothing stood in his way.

“My first varsity game I was excited but nervous,” Pool said. “I wanted to prove that I was supposed to be there.”

Like many of the players on the varsity squad, he had a strong football background.

“I have been playing tackle football since I was in 1st grade,” Pool said. “I played for Deion Sanders and played select football with Wild Dawgs from sixth and seventh grade.”

But even with this background and playing for the Deion Sanders, Bumper had to prove himself before he was given a varsity spot.

“Nothing really stuck out, and it was never glaringly obvious that Bumper would be on the varsity squad,” head football coach Ryan Cox said. “He got a shot during two a days and took advantage of it. Of course he is not your average looking 9th grade football player, but he is not playing 9th grade football. So when around other varsity players, his features that set him apart from his classmates disappear or blend in.”

Of course Pool’s size (6’ 1”, 205 lbs.) was an asset, but there was something about Pool that stuck out during that trial period before being called up to play at the highest level.

“What sets him apart and sticks out about him is his play,” Cox said. “He’s not playing ninth grade football. In the end that is what gets you on the field, regardless of any age or other factors.”

In addition to Cox, Pool has earned the respect of his fellow teammates regardless of his age.

“The one thing that stands out about Bumper is him being very coachable,” senior football player Alec Comerford said. “He’s a quick learner and it takes a smart person to play the position that he does (inside linebacker). I feel like he is as experienced as the other players on the team. It does not bother me that he is a freshman because he plays just as well as us.”

But even with the support of his fellow teammates and coach, Pool, like most freshman varsity players, had to overcome some anxiety in their first couple of games.

“I just needed to do what the coaches asked me to do,” Pool said. “But I was prepared, which really helped shake off the nerves, and having teammates to count on made it a lot easier.”

Now that the playoffs are here, Pool has learned quite a bit about the mental side of the game too.

“Coach Cox always says to everybody ‘don’t think, just react when you think you mess up,’” Pool said.

With the football team clutching the number one district seed for the playoffs, the future opportunities not only for the team, but for Pool, seem endless.

“If he continues to make good decisions, on and off the field, his future will be bright,” Cox said.