The Baltimore Ravens didn’t waste any time signing Pinecrest and Clemson Grad Sean Pollard. The Ravens made the call moments after the 2020 NFL draft concluded last weekend.
“I watched the entire draft, just to be curious. I got a call from my agent saying the Ravens want me as an undrafted free agent,” said Pollard, who grew up in Jackson Springs, in an interview with Tigernation.com. “So I had an idea of a team that wanted me at least. So, I was just hoping that my name would be called, but I always know that God has a plan. So I think He put me in the best situation.”
At Pinecrest, Pollard was ranked No. 129 overall by a scout, 173 by ESPN, and 177 by Rivals, according to Sports Illustrated. In his position, he was ranked 10th best prospect in his position in NC, 11th by Rivals, 10th by ESPN.
Pollard graduated from Pinecrest High School in 2015 and played football under the leadership of Coach Chris Metzger.
“Sean started working for this in 3rd grade,” said Pinecrest High School Football Coach Chris Metzger in a phone call with Sandhills Sentinel. “His older brother played for us. Sean would come to camps. He was always the kid staying around and asking questions,”
At Clemson, Pollard played 2,328 snaps over 55 games, according to Sports Illustrated. He had 38 starts at tackle, guard, and center. In Pollard’s career, the Clemson Tigers had a record of 55-4 and won two National Championships. He was selected 2019 second-team All-ACC and voted permanent team captain. He is the 17th player in school history to earn at least three selections to the All-ACC Academic team, and he was a member of NFF Hampshire Honor Society.
Coach Metzger said, “I reflect back to freshman year when Sean asked us what did he have to do to make it higher in football. I told him it takes hard work, dedication, and character. Sean has done all of those, he would stay late, clean the locker room, get in extra work outs. He cares about his school and community. He really epitomized our 4 pillars; love, focus, effort and trust.”
Off the football field, Pollard shows those 4 pillars in the community. Pollard founded a charity in college that raises money for Pediatric Cancer Research. He also did other charity work while attending Pinecrest High School.
Pollard officially begins his career as a Raven this July in Baltimore at the Ravens Training Camp.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel Reporter Curtis Self.
Photo of Sean Pollard via Clemson Football Facebook page.