Tony Pollard
Former Tigers’ standout of the University of Memphis football program Tony Pollard was given the opportunity Jan. 26 to compete in this year’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. Pollard graduated last December with a degree in sports and leisure management, which allowed him to participate in the game.
Less than a week after Pollard announced his intentions to declare for the 2019 NFL Draft through Twitter, Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy announced Pollard would be invited to the game and described him as a “Swiss Army Knife.†Pollard and offensive tackle Trevon Tate were the only Memphis players to participate in a postseason showcase.
Head coach Mike Norvell spoke highly of Pollard and said he fully supports his decision to pursue his NFL aspirations.
“I know he’s got a bright future ahead of him,†Norvell said. “Like he said in his Twitter post, he’ll always be a Tiger. Just the embrace and the respect for what this city has meant to him, he’s one of the greats of all-time here at Memphis.â€
On the Senior Bowl roster, Pollard was listed as a running back, and he was part of the North team that is being led by Oakland Raiders’s head coach Jon Gruden and his staff. He teamed up with fellow draft hopefuls Missouri quarterback Drew Lock, Delaware safety Nasir Adderly and Kansas State offensive tackle Dalton Risner.
Throughout the week of practices, Pollard generated a buzz because of his multi-faceted skill set and blazing speed. He was able to bring that to the game and left Mobile as one of the draft’s highest risers.
He led the game in rushing yards with 60 on eight carries, including a 21-yard touchdown that was one of the longest plays of the game. He contributed in other aspects of the game as well, such as the pass game and on special teams. He had two receptions for 13 yards and a kick return.
Being used all over the field isn’t a new thing for Pollard because that’s what he did with the Tigers. He played everywhere on the offensive side of the ball and on special teams, making him one of the most exciting players on the roster. In three seasons of play, he had 2,233 yards from scrimmage and 18 touchdowns. He etched his name not only in the Memphis record books but also in the NCAA record books when he tied the record for kickoff return touchdowns with seven.
Pollard is the first Tiger in three seasons to receive an invite to participate in the game. Two seasons ago, kicker Jake Elliot and cornerback Arthur Maulet played. Last season, the wide receiver Anthony Miller received an invite but didn’t participate because he suffered an injury prior.
Currently, Pollard is projected by most draft pundits to be a day three selection, meaning he will more than likely be taken between the fourth and seventh round, but draft analyst Henry McKenna said he believes his draft stock could be on the upswing after the showcase Jan. 26.
“The fact that he contributed as a pass-catcher and between-the-tackles runner should bode well for his draft stock,†McKenna said. “He’s a versatile weapon who could contribute immediately on third down.â€
No matter where Pollard goes, it’s safe to say his strong showing in the showcase Jan. 26 will play a huge part in deciding his future, especially because he showed what he could do against some of the best defenders college football had to offer.
