North Jackson's Poole signs with Mars Hill University

Story By Jason Bowen

When North Jackson all-state defensive lineman Ja’Quez “Draco” Poole was going through the recruiting process, the coaching staff at Mars Hill University stuck out to him.

Tim Clifton has been Mars Hill’s head coach since 1993, and all of his assistants but one have been with the program for more than a decade.

“The bond and connection they have with the players is unbeatable,” Poole said.

The Mars Hill staff definitely connected with Poole, signing him over offers from three other schools. He signed with the Lions during a recent scholarship signing ceremony at North Jackson High School, choosing Mars Hill over North Alabama (UNA), Bethel and Peru State.

Mars Hill University, located in Mars Hill, North Carolina, is an NCAA Division II program that competes in the South Atlantic Conference. The Lions went 5-4 last season and finished third in the SAC’s Mountain Division standings after winning the division title in 2022 and 2023.

Poole transferred to North Jackson from Brainerd High School in Chattanooga and made an immediate impact for the Chiefs defense. He totaled 80 tackles and a team-leading 12 quarterback sacks on his way to earning ASWA Class 4A first-team all-state honors. Poole was also the 2024 Jackson County Co-Defensive Player of the Year and the Class 4A Region 8 Defensive Lineman of the Year while helping North Jackson go 8-3 and win its first region championship since 2018.

“He had a great season for us and he’s got a lot upside. He’s still learning the game. He’s got the measurables, 6-4, 230 pounds and can run,” said North Jackson head coach Joe Hollis Jr. “It’s a tremendous opportunity for him.”

Poole said he was grateful for his time at North Jackson.

“One thing I learned about North Jackson is that it’s a place away from home no matter how far how you go,” he said. “You can always go back — once a Chief, always a Chief.”

Poole said he’s looking forward to the challenges and experiences of playing college football.

“I think playing on the next level will not be necessarily easy, but like anything else in life, it comes with challenges and obstacles, but it’s about how you overcome them and push yourself,” Poole said. “That’s the mindset you’ve got to have, not just with football, just with life.”