OL/DL Jamil Pollard Commits To Penn State (Again), Sets Stage For Possible Third Commitment
by Jeff Junstrom on Dec 29, 2011 9:33 PM EST
in Recruiting
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Jamil Pollard, Ladies and Gentlemen!
Stats
Home/HS: Westville, NJ/West Deptford
Height: 6'4"
Weight:270
Starz 'n Sheetz
Stars: 4* (247Sports, Rivals), 3* (Scout)
Offer sheet: Boston College, Alabama, Iowa, East Carolina, Florida, North Carolina, Rutgers
Cinema
The Tale
Pollard was the fifth commitment of the Class of 2012 for the Nittany Lions way back in the scandal-less days of April, when quarterback debates dominated the Penn State chatter. However, a couple months later in July, Penn State revoked their scholarship offer from Pollard when it turned out his grades weren't up to Penn State standards. Hard work, dedication, and a commitment to greater things paid off for Pollard, as he re-received a scholarship offer recently, and has reaffirmed his commitment to Penn State.
There's a twist, though. While Pollard is once again a member of the Class of 2012, his recruitment is by no means over. The finalists for Pollard's services were Boston College and Penn State, each of which are going through some uncertain times (PSU for obvious reasons, BC because Pollard's recruitment for the Eagles was handled by Mike Dawson, who recently resigned). By his own admission, Pollard will keep looking during the last five-or-so weeks until Signing Day. Which begs the question, "Why commit now?", to which I don't really have an answer. If Pollard doesn't like how things turn out at Penn State, don't be surprised to see him decommit. Which then opens the door for an unprecedented (maybe? I'm lazy, and didn't look this up) third commitment to the same school if Pollard changes his mind.
Outlook
As you can see in the video above, Pollard is a load of a man-boy, able to push people away quickly and efficiently. He could project on either side, as is typically the case with these big mudders, but looks like he'll end up on the outside of the o-line.
His commitment came at the 2012 Offense-Defense All-American Bowl, being held in Dallas and also attended by current PSU commits Eugene Lewis and Nyeem Wartman (Pollard's roommate for the event). The Bowl has an impressive collection of top recruits (most committed, some still undecided), and a replay of the event will air on January 2 if you're looking for another chance to see Jamil play.
As long as he keeps his grades up, Pollard could be a solid re-addition to this class and some good news for a fan base starving for information.
Welcome (back) to Penn State, Jamil.
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As I said on Twitter
I’m sure Urban is looking Jamil’s number up in the phonebook as we speak.
Luring recruits with my new "Posting HD" scheme since '08.
If he didn't have it already, why now?
And OSU is dancing on a fine line with oversigning numbers. They’re just about full.
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by Jeff Junstrom on Dec 29, 2011 9:40 PM EST up reply actions
I was halfway joking.
Didn’t know they were almost full. Guess that helps our chances to keep the rest of our crop.
Luring recruits with my new "Posting HD" scheme since '08.
Cam is still a question, new coach dependent.
The rest are safe, from Columbus at least.
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by Jeff Junstrom on Dec 29, 2011 9:45 PM EST up reply actions
2 listed by the recruiting sites signed under the 2011 class...
…so he could go 8 if he takes deep roster cuts (not likely)…
…or got some lower talent to grey shirt (not likely – he’s not looking for bodies)…
General consensus is 5 more – 2 LBs, 2 OLs, and 1 playmaker/athlete/WR
6 would be the likely upper limit.
Only 2 who are/were PSU commits are believed to be on the target list.
Glad to hear Pollard made it back… does anyone have his number?… no real reason… I just know a guy who wants to “Congratulate” him…. (J/K)
Proud proponent of the 52 team Uber Conference
“Why commit now?”
Because in recruiting commit does not mean commit.
"The limits of my language mean the limits of my world" -- Ludwig Wittgenstein
by SubLime on Dec 29, 2011 9:40 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
Yeah can we change the terminology?
Verbal commitments should now be called “promises” or “intentions” or something.
And the “Most Valuable Player” awards should be changed to something simpler and more subjective-sounding like “Player of the Year” or “Best Player.” The word valuable connotes something empirical and based on some sort of economic model. If it’s vote-based it shouldn’t use the word valuable.
"We gon' get down. We gon' do the do. I'm going to hit these mother****ers" - Dock Ellis, May 1, 1974.
by OctaShields on Dec 29, 2011 11:14 PM EST up reply actions
Pollard is from my town
so obviously I am glad to hear this news. Hopefully the 2nd PSU player from here in the past 7 years.
"Let the chips fall where they may."
WOW
This is surprising. I am glad for any good news at this point, but I never expected him to choose us right now. It’s very curious that he decided for us with no HC or position coaches. Why not wait a couple of weeks?
Although he probably knows if, and that’s a big if, we make a really good hire as the HC, the remaining spots will fill up fast. On the other hand, if we pass some gas in the next week or so, and hire a 2nd or 3rd tier guy, we may lose him and some others. On the third hand, WE ARE PENN STATE!, and even if we would hire Todd Graham, I think we’d still get a few new commits and hold on to most of the current ones.
In any event, welcome Jamil, we’re glad to know ya.
If you are tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire Department normally uses water.
Iowa and Alabama too. My, that is a nice offer sheet.
Hopefully this is the beginning of the end of the wave of cowardice which, as WorldBFat has accurately said, has been sweeping the nation before the scandal even broke.
"Woop woop." - Waylon Jennings
by ReadingRambler on Dec 29, 2011 10:33 PM EST reply actions
The funny thing is, the remaining targets were waiting to make their selections for their own reasons.
Head coaching change or not, we weren’t going to have many commitments, if any, during the past four weeks anyway. Granted a prolonged delay will still hurt, as we’ve LOST commitments, but those expected to commit/top targets still haven’t. Name the right guy next Tuesday and we’re right back in this thing.
/takes off tinfoil hat
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by Jeff Junstrom on Dec 29, 2011 10:37 PM EST up reply actions
My choice to switch to "more male than the post office" was prescient, I guess.
more male than the post office
Great news
to have him back on board. I bet Lewis and Wartman played a big role in getting him back to PSU.
I'll take any good news at this point - at least I feel something.
Honestly, all of the kids who stick with their commitment through this and don’t waver will deserve a different level of respect and support from us as a fanbase. We are going to rememeber the class of ’12.
.....that which we are, WE ARE;
One equal temper of heroic hearts
by SarcasmJam on Dec 30, 2011 8:45 AM EST reply actions 3 recs
^ This, indeed.
The kids who stand by Penn State now have earned a special place in the Nittany Lion pantheon, much like DWill did.
At this point, the coaching search committee CANNOT wait much past the bowl game, especially if we win impressively. Win against Houston, name a HC who then quickly selects his staff, and we will have some momentum going into LOI Day.
And, thank you, young Mr. Pollard, for expressing confidence in the future of Penn State football.
"Make haste to reassure us, I beg you, and tell us that our fellow citizens understand us, support us, and protect us as we ourselves are protecting the glory of the Empire.
"If it should be otherwise, if we should have to leave our bleached bones on these desert sands in vain, then beware the fury of the Legions."
by PSU_Lions_84 on Dec 30, 2011 8:52 AM EST up reply actions
the "Offense Defense" Bowl?
Have we officially run out of names for these games? Or did they just not give a shit?
To be honest, I had never heard of this bowl.
But after some research, there was a high level of talent at the game. There are so many bowls, it’s tough to keep them all together.
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by Jeff Junstrom on Dec 30, 2011 10:33 AM EST up reply actions
i dont care if the best player at each position was there
the Offense Defense bowl? Out of Curiosity, were there no punts, extra points, FGs or kickoffs?
I eagerly await next years Offense Defense Special Teams Bowl
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