No. 1 IOL Casey Poe nearing decision after official visit to Alabama
Casey Poe, the No. 1 interior offensive lineman in the country per On3 Sports, will announce his college decision on July 12. He took visits throughout June including the final one this past weekend to Alabama. His father, Toby Poe, spoke with BOL about the official visit in Tuscaloosa.
Did Poe save the best for last?
Toby Poe has been an Alabama fan his entire life. A Bear Bryant poster hung in his home for as long as he can remember. Poe was raised in McKinney, Texas, where his father, Ron, earned his stripes as a high school coaching legend, and is in the Texas High School Coaches Hall of Fame.
His father and uncle (identical twins) were once recruited by another legendary coach, Paul W. Bryant during his time at Alabama. The duo never made it to Tuscaloosa and attended East Texas State. Coach Bryant was the “God of college football.” The love for Alabama football started and never left the Poe household.
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Casey was raised as an Alabama fan, and possibly one reason why many expect him to commit to Alabama when he announces a decision on July 12 (his birthday). The Poes do want him to decide based on growing up in a home not missing many Alabama games on TV.
This is a decision Casey will need to make on his own, one his parents will support and also help provide their own input. He visited several schools in June including Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Georgia, LSU, Oklahoma and Texas Tech. He knows what each school has to offer, the people he is around and the role expected on the offensive front.
“There’s a lot to this recruiting process,” Toby Poe said. “We’re gonna help show him the good and the bad of each school. We’re not gonna make the decision for him. It has to be the right fit.
“It can’t be all about the logo. It’s been a blast everywhere we’ve visited. A lot of schools have been really good to us. I grew up an Alabama fan and these visits have been a kick, but we also are careful not to steer Casey in any direction.”
Casey traveled to Alabama with his grandfather for an unofficial visit in April. This was a final visit, at least prior to a decision, with his parents to have any additional questions answered.
“The visit was great,” said Toby after the weekend official visit to Alabama. “It was all first class. They don’t do anything half-way from the moment they greet you until you leave. I just can’t say enough good things. It was all first class and a great overall trip.”
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Return to the Capstone
Casey Poe in Nick Saban’s Ferrari during official visit.
The Poes took a deeper dive into what makes Alabama tick. Poe’s father described it as learning more about the “bones” of the entire organization.
“We really went deep into how everything is done,” he said. “We got a chance to learn more about nutrition, training and the medical staff. Those things are important. It’s not just what they can do for you on-the-field.
“We were able to dig a little deeper into the technology they have in the weight room and how they prepare kids to be the best they can be. It was really impressive to see how in-depth and scientific it can be. It was eye-opening to really see how they do what they do.”
A word that has been used frequently during trips to Alabama and conversations with the staff- accountability. There is one goal- win a championship. How do you get there? Hold each other accountable in every thing you do.
“It’s the culture,” Casey’s father said. “It’s the accountability. They know how to do it. They hold kids to a higher standard. They have personal relationship with their players. That’s what’s impressive.
“They’ve been there and done that. People want to say Coach Saban won’t be coaching much longer. They’re not done. He wants to be the best they can be and win championships. It was so impressive to see how they treat us as parents and how they treat the kids.
“There are a lot of places that have good programs. It’s almost like old money vs. new money. The old money people had it for a long time and know how to keep it. The new money people all of a sudden have it and trying to figure out how to keep it.”
Nick Saban, once considered the heir apparent to Bear Bryant, is now in a league of his own after winning seven national championships including six in Tuscaloosa. Toby, his wife, Mandy, and Casey rode in the car with him back to the football facility after brunch on Sunday.
“He cares about kids,” Poe said. “He was there with us when we ate dinner and breakfast. We were at his house. He might have some nicer things, but he’s also just a good guy. You can’t argue with what he’s done, but we saw him more from a personal standpoint. He’s a great man.”
The relationship has also been outstanding with Alabama offensive line coach, Eric Wolford (Coach Wolf). The family has been sold on the Tide’s second year position coach since the early stages of the recruitment.
“He’s walked us through everything,” Mr. Poe said regarding Coach Wolf. “He has showed us what Casey means to them and how he fits in. He talked about how they will use him, how things would be and what their development looks like.
“Casey wants to go to the NFL. He has to get developed. Coach Wolf has been really good to us. The numbers also don’t lie. Coach Wolf has done a good job of developing players even before he arrived at Alabama.”
Poe was hosted by freshman offensive tackle Wilkin Fomby, and spent time with several others who are “like-minded” according to his father. Casey is right at 6-foot-5, 294-pounds with Alabama’s hope for him to play tackle or guard. Either position is completely fine with Poe and will play wherever he can make an impact.
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Poe closing in on decision
Casey Poe with his parents during Alabama visit.
The plan for Poe is to relax, and take a deep breath after the completion of official visits and other trips this month. The decision will take place in 15 days.
The plan is to inform each coaching staff of his choice prior to the announcement out of respect for their time and effort in recruiting him for the last several months.
“He’s not going to make a decision based on emotions,” his father added. “We’ve been to four schools in the last week. He wants a few days to decompress and let the emotions go away. He’s gonna go be a kid for a few days.
“We will sit down as a family soon. We share our likes and dislikes of each school. We will help make a decision. We are not going to make the decision for him. This is his choice. We’ll have our input and want him to make the best decision for himself.”
The post No. 1 IOL Casey Poe nearing decision after official visit to Alabama appeared first on On3.
