The Detroit-born former Michigan All-American and NFL starter Braylon Edwards is the textbook example of a hometown hero, setting the Wolverines’ season record for receptions with 97 and receiving yards with 1,330 during his senior season.
Edwards also set the Big Ten all-time receiving touchdowns record with 39 over the course of his career, and led Michigan to its last Big Ten title in 2004.
On Monday afternoon, Edwards’ nephew made a decision that led to jubilation among the former Michigan star, who took to social media to share his congratulations.
Edwards’ Nephew Commits to Michigan’s Class of 2022
Edwards’ nephew is Class of 2022 linebacker Micah Pollard of Jacksonville (Fla.) Bartram Trails, who picked the Wolverines over Auburn, Indiana, Central Florida and other potential suitors.
Pollard is also the son of former NFL tight end Marcus Pollard of the Indianapolis Colts, who finished with over 4,000 receiving yards and 40 touchdowns in his career — and was a former receiving target of Jim Harbaugh’s during his 10 seasons with the team.
Heading into the 2022 high school season, Micah Pollard is ranked as the number 56 linebacker prospect in the nation for 2022, and joins a Wolverines recruiting class that already counts five-star in-state cornerback Will Johnson among its pledges along with several other highly ranked players.
Micah Pollard is the number 78-ranked player in the state of Florida according to 247Sports.com.
?BREAKING: Florida OLB Micah Pollard (@micahpollard12) commits to Michigan! #GoBlue? https://t.co/mpcohH8SKL pic.twitter.com/yAfxnbV1K1
— TheWolverine.com (@TheWolverineMag) July 12, 2021
Meanwhile his illustrious uncle, Edwards, had the following to say in commemoration of the news on his Twitter account.
My Nephew made the decision of all decisions (for his age). He’s headed to UofM. My intermediate as well as extended family bleed maize and blue. Congrats @micahpollard12 now let’s get it. 〽️. pic.twitter.com/qJWwpvF8en
— Braylon Edwards (@OfficialBraylon) July 13, 2021
Michigan Wolverines Getting the Jump on New Prospects
While Pollard is flying under the radar a bit as a three-star prospect according to 247Sports’ latest rankings for 2022, his commitment appears to be part of a broader strategy for new recruiting director Courtney Morgan.
Michigan is identifying its target prospects quickly, and moving in before other well known programs can react.
“One area the Wolverines continue to excel in its evaluations,” 247Sports wrote it its article about Pollard’s commitment.
“(They have) been among the first few offers for a ton of top prospects in the country,”
Morgan replaced the departed Matt Dudek.
According to 247Sports quoting Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line coach Adrian Klemm, many view the hiring of Morgan as a huge positive for the Wolverines going forward.
Pollard could be a big part of his first full recruiting class, as he was offered by SEC power Auburn and could vault up the rankings with an impressive senior season.
At 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, Pollard has the prototypical frame to be a starting outside linebacker at the next level, and he seems like he could be the type of player who is fully committed to delivering Michigan back to its former prestige again.
Blessed!! #goblue pic.twitter.com/JgxKu9FO3D
— ????? ??????? (@micahpollard12) July 12, 2021
Judging by his highlight tape, Pollard could be a true diamond in the rough for the Wolverines.
As shown in the video below, Pollard typically lines up close to the line of scrimmage for the Bears defense, and is tasked with creating havoc in the backfield.
He shows an advanced feel for engaging and then quickly disengaging with blockers before locking on to the ball carrier and barreling in full speed ahead.
His ball skills appear to be quite advanced for a linebacker, as he is skilled at blocking kicks and reels in an impressive interception at the 2:06 mark after coming off of his initial coverage assignment to jump the sideline route and snag the ball with both hands.
While it appears as though overall speed and adding a little more weight could be areas to focus on going forward, Morgan, Harbaugh and the Wolverines may have just gotten themselves a true leader and difference maker for the years ahead with the addition of Pollard.
Check out his highlights below, and be sure to share this article with any Wolverines fans who haven’t seen him play yet.