The Michigan Wolverines are adding size to their defensive backfield with this 2022 class. On Wednesday, 6-foot-2, 180-pound cornerback Myles Pollard announced his commitment to Michigan following a recruitment that saw three dozen schools offer the four-star prospect from Brentwood’s (Tenn.) Ravenwood High School.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The month of June saw Pollard take official visits to Auburn, Michigan and Oklahoma, and those schools would ultimately be the three finalists in his decision. Pollard landed a handful of offers the summer before his junior season, but it was that junior season, and particularly a televised game against IMG Academy, that really kickstarted the Nashville-area defensive back’s recruitment. By the time the New Year came he was well into double-digit territory with schools like Alabama, Florida State, Oregon and Penn State on his list. In February, Pollard released a top six that included Michigan and Oklahoma, but Auburn had not offered yet. The Tigers would come through in March and land one of his official visits. The official visit, and Michigan’s hiring of former Kentucky defensive backs coach Steven Clinkscale this past spring, were key factors in the Wolverines securing Pollard’s commitment.
IN HIS WORDS
“I went on my official visit, I just felt the most comfortable with the coaching staff. They really put an emphasis on how much they need me and how much of a priority I am. It is an opportunity to play early as well, which is a big factor for me.
“(Clinkscale) was my first offer, so he has been the coach I’ve known the longest. I had a real good relationship with him when he was at Kentucky.
“They think I can be an outside, lockdown corner alongside Will Johnson, who is committed as well. I’ve known Will for a minute. He was up there on my official visit and we got a chance to bond together and know more about each other up there, so I feel comfortable with him. DJ Turner was my host when I was up there, so I got a real good connection with him as well. He plays corner as well so he could tell me the ins and outs about Michigan."
RIVALS’ REACTION
Both Pollard and Johnson are 6-foot-2 cornerbacks, so Michigan is certainly adding size at the position through this 2022 class. Tall cornerbacks tend to be stiff and have trouble flipping their hips and being smooth in their turns, but when I first saw Pollard live more than a year ago, his fluidity was one of his best characteristics. Pollard proved he can lock up the top receivers in the country with a standout performance against class of 2021 Alabama signee Jacorey Brooks last fall. It showed he has the competitive fire needed to man an island on the boundaries of a defense. Pollard will need to stay mindful of his keeping his speed up to stay on the outside during his career, but his size and competitiveness are compelling attributes not always found at the position.
