Micah Pollard, Wolverine

Micah Pollard, Wolverine


July 14, 2021
Micah Pollard

Jacksonville (FL) Bartram Trail linebacker Micah Pollard committed to Michigan on Monday. He picked the Wolverines over offers from Auburn, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Penn State, and Virginia Tech, among others.

Pollard is listed at 6’3″ and 200 lbs. He made 69 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, and 1 interception as a junior in 2020.

RANKINGS
ESPN: 3-star, 77 grade, #61 OLB
Rivals: 3-star, 5.7 grade, #39 OLB
247 Sports: 3-star, 87 grade, #66 LB

Hit the jump for more.

Pollard was offered by Michigan when the new defensive staff was hired. Linebackers coach George Helow has Jacksonville connections and reached out to Pollard. Pollard is the son of former NFL tight end Marcus Pollard, who played with Jim Harbaugh on the Indianapolis Colts, and the nephew of former Michigan receiver Braylon Edwards. Both Auburn and Michigan were feeling good leading up to Pollard’s announcement, but it always seemed like Michigan had the most momentum. (NOTE: Micah Pollard is not related to cornerback commit Myles Pollard, but Micah does have a brother named Myles.)

Pollard’s highlights show good closing speed. He repeatedly comes off the edge and chases down plays from the back side. Much of his highlight film shows him being completely unblocked – after all, why would you block the D1 linebacker coming off the edge to kill your quarterback? – like he pilfered the Invisibility Cloak, but on the rare occasion when somebody bothers to try, he shows a good push-pull move, can dip his shoulder to turn the corner, and plays with nice agility to evade blockers. I’m impressed with his ability to sink his hips and lower his center of gravity, which helps with his agility.

Pollard will have to get stronger, because some of his arm tackles will get shaken off by higher-level ball carriers. I also wonder about his long-term upside, because he lacks elite speed and size.

Overall, I like Pollard as a college prospect and think he can have some success. I do not expect him to be an elite player, but he can make an impact. He reminds me of Mario Ojemudia, who ended up at 6’2″ and 252 lbs. by the end of his career and made a few plays here and there while starting seven total games.

Michigan now has 16 commitments in the class of 2021. The Wolverines have never secured a commitment from a Bartram Trail graduate.

TTB Rating: 74

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