Carolina Panthers' Dontari Poe returns to Memphis with entrepreneur camp, high expectations

Evan Barnes
Memphis Commercial Appeal

Before his inaugural “Entrepreneur in Training” Camp last year, Dontari Poe was excited to bring something different to Memphis besides his annual football camp.

On Friday, the Carolina Panthers defensive tackle and Memphis alum had similar joy as he watched seven group of kids present business pitches to a panel that was reminiscent of the hit show “Shark Tank.”

While he’s hosting his fourth annual football camp Saturday, he was happy that more kids applied to the entrepreneur camp than last year.

Carolina Panthers and former Memphis defensive tackle Dontari Poe, left, returned to Memphis to run his second annual "Entrepreneur in Training" Camp.

“It’s much bigger than I thought it was going to be as far as kids wanting to learn,” said Poe.

The three-day camp involved kids learning about several companies and how to pitch products to a group of investors. The final task was partnering with current businesses to present their products in front of a panel.

The winners earned a scholarship to help in their education. 

“It’s a lot of kids who got a lot of ideas and they want to get them out while learning as much as they can about the entrepreneur world,” Poe said.

With his eighth NFL season coming up, Poe wasn't worried about improving after his first season in Carolina.

He only recorded one sack after signing a three-year, $28 million deal, but he knows things will change after the team signed All-Pro defensive tackle Gerald McCoy this month.

“He’s a dog,” McCoy said. “His name speaks for itself, his stats speak for itself and it’s good to have him.”

As for Memphis, Poe was surprised to hear how the Tigers are favored in every game, according to a projection by SBNation. It's a far cry from when Memphis only won five games during his three seasons (2009-11).

He had faith the program would have better days but it still surprised him what outsiders are thinking about Memphis.

“It’s crazy to see Memphis like that,” Poe said. “It’s something that needed to be seen years ago but it’s big for those boys and what Coach Norvell is doing is huge. I’m pulling for them all the way.”

You can reach Tigers football beat writer Evan Barnes on Twitter (@Evan_B) or by email at evan.barnes@commercialappeal.com