GBK Spring Coverage: Q&A with WR Edgar Poe (Free)
Although it may be hard to comprehend, but sometimes 1 plus 1 does not always equal 2. Well, according to Ellen J. Langer, psychology professor, ‘When you're being mindful’, said the author of the book Mindfulness whose new book is called The Power of Mindful Learning. "Nothing we know is truly independent of context," Langer says.
Then that must explain how wide receiver Edgar Poe, can end up being named the 2015 team MVP for the Army Black Knights, who as head coach Jeff Monken has stated repeatedly, “we are a run oriented team ... that’s our roots.”
In football context, the senior out of Tucson (AR) is a game changer at both receiver as well as on special teams as a punt returner. The 6-foot-4, 220 pounder also finds himself taking on a more leadership role with this year’s squad.
“Edgar Poe is one of the top wide receivers in the country, no matter what logo is on his jersey,” said Army WR coach, Keith Gaither in his conversation with GBK. “He has great size 6'4 plus weighing 220 pounds. He has good ball skills and he is an outstanding route runner. I have coached four guys who played in the NFL and Edgar is on the same level (one starting for the New Orleans Saints). He needs to continue to work on his quickness/speed to take the next step in his game. I'm glad I’m on his side on Saturdays ... I wouldn't want to be a corner facing Edgar.”
As the Black Knights kicked-off their 2016 spring football camp, GoBlackKnights.com caught up with Poe at the conclusion of practice, as he sat down for a brief one-on-one with GBK sideline reporter, Maddy Daugherty.
GBK’s Maddy Daugherty: The Army team is coming into 2016 after suffering two disappointing losses to Rutgers and Navy at the end of last season; however, those were also arguably two of Army’s best performances all season. What has been the atmosphere as the team transitions from those games and the 2015 season into this upcoming season?
Edgar Poe: I think the 2015 team is in the rearview mirror. It’s about the 2016 team now. We have a lot of younger guys stepping up into big roles and it’s really exciting to see us making that transition.
GBK’s Maddy Daugherty: You were named the 2015 MVP last season. Do you feel like you’ve already taken on a new or more diverse role with this new team?
Edgar Poe: I think that I’ve naturally fallen into more of a leadership position on the team. There are some really phenomenal leaders on this team. I just pick up where I feel like my influence is needed with the team. There are different leaders in every position. Off the top of my head, guys like Andrew King and Jeremy Timpf are all vital to our team’s leadership chemistry. We have a lot of new guys on offense and our offensive line will be a pretty young group of guys so I’m sure we’ll see someone emerge as a leader throughout the season in that area as well.
GBK’s Maddy Daugherty: What is the biggest change you’ve seen since the start of the 2016 season?
Edgar Poe: Our attitude. This team’s attitude is completely different from anything I’ve ever seen or been a part of. This team is tired of people talking about them and saying that we’re just another losing Army team. 2015 we were 2-10 and that’s what the public sees. This team wants to change that perception and show them that we’re much more than that and that we have the attitude to prove it.
GBK’s Maddy Daugherty: Your younger brother, Christian Poe, is also on the team with you. What has it been like for you to play with him as a teammate, a leader, and a brother? What role do you take in mentoring him?
Edgar Poe: I love it. We’ve always talked about playing college football together and it’s always been a dream of ours. I try to mentor him more off the football field than anything. He’s going to get things done in between the lines and I’m confident in him accomplishing things on the field. I’ve been trying to be there for him and develop him more as a person. I know the football player in him will develop naturally—he’s a phenomenal athlete. He’ll probably pass me up once he starts stepping on the field this season.
GBK’s Maddy Daugherty: What are you most excited for this season?
POE: I’m most excited to see how this team works together to prove everyone wrong. I can’t wait for us achieve goals that a lot of people don’t think are possible. From the outside looking in, people are assuming that we’ll just be another losing, 3-win Army team. I’m really looking forward to proving that that isn’t this team. It’s not our identity and we’ll prove that together.
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Note: The Black Knights return to the field on Monday (4/4) for the 2nd practice of the spring. So, keep it right here on GoBlackKnights.com as we continue to bring you inside Army football spring practice with our comprehensive coverage.
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