Ben Pooler, LB Maryland/Cincinnati

Ben started his illustrious career at the University of Maryland before finishing up a fifth year of eligibility at the University of Cincinnati.  Ben’s best individual year occurred in 2009 when he amassed 43 tackles, ranked 3^rd on the team with 6.5 for a loss, and contributed 3 sacks despite only starting the final 5 games of the season.  In his first career start for the Terrapins, Ben had 5 tackles, 2 for a loss, and 1 sack vs. Virginia.  The very next week, Ben dominated Duke to the tune of 13 tackles, 2.5 for a loss, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble.  After rehabbing from an injury in 2010, Ben was granted an additional year of collegiate eligibility and he enrolled in graduate school at the University of Cincinnati.  He won the starting outside linebacker job out of training camp, a testament to not only his skill set as a linebacker, but also his ability to learn, adjust and excel in a new defensive scheme.

            Ben exhibits raw athleticism and is suited to become an ideal playmaker on a NFL defense.  At 6’2” and 230 lbs. Ben is versatile enough to play all 3 linebacker positions and is size fits in perfectly with the average of a NFL outside linebacker, which is 6’2” 242 lbs.  A very accomplished tackler with natural football instincts, Ben plays with physicality and a motor that is revered by his coaches.