Poole’s time at Tennessee has arrived

Despite limited action in his first two years at Tennessee, junior tailback Tauren Poole still managed to earn an award in the spring that commanded the attention and respect of his teammates.

The Fourth Quarter Award, which he shared with three other Vols, is a coaching staff-given honor presented to players who compete with the intangible values that provide the foundation of the UT Football Program: attitude, discipline, toughness, effort and team. For someone who has worked hard day-in and day-out but hasn’t been a focal point in the Vols offense, it was an important step for Poole’s confidence and maturation as he looks to carry the fair share of the backfield responsibilities in 2010.

“It means a lot just knowing that people are noticing my hard work and my work ethic,” Poole said. “There was one point where no one was noticing what I was doing and everything was getting overlooked.

“I was getting overlooked. Now it comes to the point where I’m more respected, and hopefully I continue to gain more respect as I continue to be productive on the field.”

As the Toccoa, Ga., native notches his second start this evening versus Oregon, he continues his readjustment to a more familiar role of carrying a heavy load. At Stephens County High, Poole shattered
career rushing records, reeling off 5,519 yards, including 2,138 as a senior, and 79 touchdowns. However, when he arrived at Rocky Top, he found himself buried on the depth chart, an experience that helped him grow as a player and a person.

“It’s been very humbling ever since I’ve been here,” Poole said. “I was the man coming out of high school. It just taught me a lot about the game, about being patient, about appreciating every down, every snap you get, and just fighting for everything that you have.

“The way it’s taught me is that everything is earned (and) nothing is given. Everything I’ve been through has been hard, but it’s shaped me as who I am today. You have to work for it all. Everything you get, you have to work like it’s your last. You have to play every down like it’s your last because it’s not given. Nothing is guaranteed. It can all be taken away.”

Although Poole hasn’t had many of chances to prove himself at UT, he has produced when called upon. As a sophomore, he rushed for 8.6 yards per carry on 10 attempts. In the season opener against Western Kentucky, the junior ran for 62 yards, including a 34-yard dash, both of which were career-bests coming into 2010. While his averages will be difficult to replicate with a heavier load, Poole is very much aware that his time is now and that the opportunity to be “the man” again is his for the taking.

“I just know that I have to work hard,” Poole said. “I’ve always had a great work ethic, but now it’s getting in the film room and knowing what I can do better and continue to do
better every day.

“The big thing is being professional about everything and knowing that it’s not where you’re at skill-wise and that you’ve got to work on the intangibles in everything that you do.”

In a preseason poll of his fellow teammates, Poole was voted the most likely Vol to have a breakout year, by a vast majority. Poole, a sport management major, holds himself to those same standards.

“I have those expectations completely,” he said. “I know that my teammates believe in me and I believe in myself to the fullest extent. I just know that I have a lot to prove.

“The pressure is on and it’s time for me to go out and show what I can do.”