Norell Pollard is a defensive lineman on the rise receiving multiple major power 5 offers over the past few weeks including ones from West Virginia, Louisville, Kentucky, Duke, Rutgers, and Virginia Tech.
https://twitter.com/rell_honcho/status/996194238915325952
"I was excited! VT is a big time program that is well-known for their defense," Pollard said. "I was expecting them to offer. Coach (Charley) Wiles and I have been communicating for almost a month or so."
Pollard told us that Virginia Tech's offer "makes my decision harder" and "definitely" has an impact on his recruitment. Virginia Tech's impact on Pollard's recruitment was felt the next day when the Hokies made his top 8.
https://twitter.com/rell_honcho/status/996420003661565952
Pollard's top 8 also includes West Virginia, Louisville, NC State, Indiana, Duke, Rutgers, and UCF. The fact that the Hokies were able to make this cut within a day of offering shows that the Hokies have a great opportunity to be a major contender in Pollard's recruitment.
Why did the Hokies make the top 8 for Norell Pollard? He told us that it's because of the Hokies' reputation for developing defensive players. Pollard also said that he feels he would fit well in Bud Foster's defense.
"I feel like I would fit perfectly in VT's defense. I’m a very strong and physical guy, and that’s what VT is all about," Pollard said.
Looking ahead to this summer, Pollard said that he is looking to cut down his list of schools from 8 to 3 or 4 by sometime in mid June. Before then, Pollard plans to make a summer road trip to take visits to Virginia Tech, West Virginia, NC State, Duke, and Indiana.
Indiana is currently recruiting Pollard the hardest though the Hokies seem set to become very involved in his recruitment. Pollard told us that UCF is likely to make the next cut as his hometown school though there recent success is also likely helping them out.
While the recruiting services have Pollard listed as a defensive end, Pollard has the versatility to play either spot with a preference to play defensive tackle. Given the Hokies' need at defensive tackle, Pollard should have that opportunity to play DT for the Hokies if he commits to VT.
Virginia Tech is already a serious contender for Norell Pollard within days of offering him with the Hokies set to host Pollard on a visit this summer.
Norell Pollard in the Recruiting Rankings
Pollard is ranked as the 40th best strongside DE by the 247 Sports Composite, 47th best by
Rivals, and 64th best by
247 Sports. Among Florida recruits, Pollard is ranked 84th best by Rivals, 90th best by the 247 Sports Composite, and 114th best by 247 Sports.
Norell Pollard's Offer List (According to 247 Sports)
- ACC: Virginia Tech, Miami, Louisville, NC State, Boston College, Duke, Georgia Tech
- SEC: Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi State, Missouri
- Big 10: Indiana, Maryland
- Big 12: West Virginia
- AAC: UCF
- Conference USA: Florida Atlantic, UAB
- MAC: Bowling Green
- Sun Belt: Texas State
Photo Credit: Jake Roth
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