Poole Headed to the Big Stage: Howard Junior Selected for Navy All-American Game

TaShawn Poole will represent Middle Georgia in national all-star showcase on his birthday in Orlando

MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – Howard High School junior TaShawn Poole has earned a spot among the nation’s elite high school football players, being selected to compete in the Navy All-American All-Star Game on Jan. 10, 2026, in Orlando, Florida.

The prestigious all-star game features top players from across the country and provides national exposure in front of college coaches and scouts. For Poole, the selection marks another milestone in a rapid rise that has put both him and the Howard football program in the statewide and national spotlight.

“It means a lot, to be real with you,” Poole said. “Having my mom with me on this journey, my coaches and everybody who’s helped lead me here. it’s special. Going to Orlando is going to be fun, especially since it’s my birthday. I’m really just going to compete, show who I really am and get my name out there.”

Poole said his focus heading into the game will be confidence and leadership, drawing advice from former all-star participants he has connected with through offseason training and seven-on-seven competition.

“I’m from a small town, so this is about getting more exposure and letting people know who I am,” Poole said. “Blocking out the noise, being myself and having fun doing something I’ve always dreamed about.”

Howard head coach Trey Porter said Poole set high goals early and has consistently backed them up with work ethic and dedication.

“When I took this job, he told me he wanted to be one of the best players in the country,” Porter said. “To see his hard work pay off like this has been great, not just for him, but for our entire program. Georgia is going to benefit from having a kid of this magnitude representing us on a national stage.”

Porter believes Poole’s journey carries added significance because he has remained at Howard throughout his career, serving as a model for younger players in the program.

“A lot of kids think they have to leave to make it,” Porter said. “But he’s been here his whole career, and now other kids can see that you can do it from right here. That gives inspiration to the next group of Huskies coming up.”

The coach also hopes Poole returns from Orlando with new knowledge and leadership tools gained from the all-star experience, helping elevate the program moving forward.

“Watching him continue to grow as a leader on and off the field has been huge for us,” Porter said. “He’s been instrumental in the growth of our program, even in seasons where we didn’t reach every goal in the win-loss column.”

The Navy All-American All-Star Game will be played Jan. 10 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, giving Poole the opportunity to compete against the nation’s best, and celebrate his birthday on one of high school football’s biggest stages.

Tune into all the action right here on 41NBC Saturday, January 10, 2026.