Barney Poole

Bio

Wartime eligibility policies gave Barney Poole seven varsity seasons, and football one of its greatest big-play ends. Poole began his career at Mississippi in 1942, played at North Carolina in 1943 as part of a military training program, moved to Army for the 1944-46 campaigns, then returned to Ole Miss for two final seasons. During this time, Poole amassed no less than seven football, eight baseball and seven basketball letters. In football, he was an All-America choice at Army in 1944, and at Mississippi in 1947 and 1948. In all he gained All-America notice in five different seasons. His secret was a "feel" for the game, particularly on defense, and the talent was best displayed in the final seconds of the 1946 Army-Navy game. The Cadets were battling to preserve a third straight undefeated season, leading 21-18, when the Midshipmen advanced deep into Army territory. Twice, Poole made game-saving tackles, the last when he hauled Navy's Pete Williams down at the Cadet four yard line, ending the final threat with just seven seconds left in the game. "Barney never made a better tackle, or one that meant as much", praised Army coach Red Blaik. Poole followed college ball with seven successful years as a pro, then coached at the high school and collegiate levels. He eventually became manager of the Mississippi Memorial Stadium in Jackson.

Career Highlights

• 1948 All-Conference
• 1948 First Team All-America
• 1947 All-Conference
• 1947 First Team All-America
• 1947 Led nation in pass receptions
• 1946 Second Team All-America
• 1945 Third Team All-America
• 1944 First Team All-America