Pollard looking to the summer

Zair Pollard doesn't have the lengthy offer list that those fortunate few juniors from the Garden State have at this early stage in the recruiting process.

Nonetheless, Pollard is optimistic and exhibits a quiet confidence when discussing his future as it relates to football.

The 6-foot, 272-pound lineman is a natural at his center position, and that's a rarity these days. It's common for colleges to find centers by shifting around players from other positions, but in each recruiting class there are a few prospects at center that stand out. Could Pollard become one of those talents in the Class of 2011?

"I play center and defensive tackle, but if I go to school for anything it will be center," Pollard said. "This was my first year playing defensive tackle, but I've been playing center since my freshman year."

Camden (N.J.) Wilson has seen a good deal of talent through the years, and Pollard seems to have a good grasp of how the recruiting process works. He's banking on strong showings at summer camps to get his name out and improve his stock.

"I've been getting most of my mail from Rutgers, and my coach has been talking to Temple and Delaware.

"Last year I went to a camp at the University of Delaware, and one at Temple. This year I've got one set up to Rutgers. I know I'll go to Delaware and Temple again, and I'll probably go to Morgan State and Penn State. Those will all be camps."

Pollard said a coach from Rutgers has tried to convince him to take a trip to the school at some point in the near future, though he isn't sure of the details of that trip yet.

In spite of all that, Pollard admits that two other schools are at the top of his list, and you might be surprised to find out who those schools are.

"I really want to go down south," he said. "I'd really like to go to Marshall. There or Richmond. I'm familiar with the Virginia area because my dad is from down there and I've visited both campuses and they both have good football programs. If I had to pick a school close to home it would be Rutgers."