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SALT LAKE CITY — James Poole knows how blessed he is.
“Everything I know I’m doing it for a purpose, and that’s pretty much my motivation," Poole said.
He knows he is lucky to be alive. The Las Vegas native with the nickname “Bubba” was just an infant when his family was the victim of a robbery. There was an altercation over a gun and shots were fired.
“I was the one that ended up getting hit,” he said. “I got shot twice with a 9mm, so yeah, I’m blessed to be here.”
A bullet entered his stomach and exited his thigh while he was lying in his cradle.
Miraculously, Bubba survived, and has grown and developed into a college football player.
While he doesn’t remember the incident, just knowing that his life was almost cut short at such a young age has caused him to appreciate it more.
“Every day that is my motivation,” he said. "To be alive, let alone playing football, is just a great opportunity for me.”
His maturity, unique perspective and positive attitude has made him a better person and a player. Things that may bother other ego-driven players don’t seem as important to Poole, who is willing to do whatever he can to help the team win.
Every day that is my motivation. To be alive, let alone playing football, is just a great opportunity for me.
–Bubba Poole
This spring he has been asked to make a position switch. He rushed for 818 yards and five touchdowns in his two years at Utah but he has also shown the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and do damage to opposing defenses in the open field. In an effort to get him on the field and take advantage of his receiving skills, he has been moved to slot receiver, and it’s a change he has embraced.
“Personally, I hope it’s permanent, but whatever I’ve got to do to help the team. I’m loving it, and keep getting better at it. That’s what I've got to do.”
The serious knee injury to backup running back Troy McCormick has Poole splitting time between his new and old position at running back, but his playmaking ability as a receiver this spring has caught the attention of coaches and his teammates.
“He been making some big plays this spring so far, catching the ball after the catch,” said starting running back Devontae Booker.
Head coach Kyle Whittingham notes that Poole still has a lot to learn in his new position but has been pleased with his transition so far.
“He’s got the athleticism, he’s got the hands, it’s just a matter of getting comfortable at the spot,” Whittingham said.
Poole is excited for his senior season at Utah and ready to embrace whatever role he is asked to play.
“I’m just blessed to play the game that I love.”
