Goldsboro's Pollock headed to N. Carolina A&T

By Andrew Stevens
Published in Sports on February 7, 2008 1:58 PM

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From the time he first stepped onto a football field at age five Donald Pollock has always been a big man with big dreams.

After paving the way for a pair of 1,000-yard backs and wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks, the 6-foot-3, 374-pound Goldsboro High lineman is taking his game to North Carolina A&T State University.

"Just the fact that I've never been scared and I've always had the heart has always let me know I could play at the next level," Pollock said.

With offers on the table from Fayetteville State and North Carolina Central, Pollock was sold on A&T's facilities and his ability pursue a double major.

"Over the process and through the official visits, and in talking with the coach staff and all the players, I felt like A&T was the best place for me to go," Pollock said. "I want to double-major in accounting and business and that really helped me in my decision."

Pollock was part of a Cougars squad that went from winless in 2006 to Class 2-A Eastern Plains Conference champions in 2007. While tailbacks Anthony Council and Hykeem Coley each rushed for 1,500 yards and at least 18 touchdowns this season, it was Pollock and his offensive line mates that paved the way.

Goldsboro head coach Eric Reid estimated that 60 to 65 percent of his club's offensive plays were run to Pollock's side of the line in a primarily ground-oriented attack.

"I've told my running backs from day one that what they accomplish was going to because of our line play," Reid said. "For his size to be as agile and flexible as he is helped us out a whole lot. There were certain things we did defensively and pass-blocking wise we couldn't have done without him."

While he'll only suit up on offense for the Aggies, Pollock did more than just create running lanes at Goldsboro. His imposing frame often occupied two and three offensive lineman, freeing up linebackers to rush the quarterback or slow down tailbacks.

Among his career highlights are a game-changing, blocked extra point in a 27-25 win at conference foe Farmville Central this past season. Pollock also tallied 29 solo tackles and a fumble recovery during his senior year.

With an easily visible passion for the game, an intimidating physical presence and a work ethic coaches salivate over, Pollock has all the tools to excel on Saturdays and possibly Sundays.

"I think technically A&T got a steal," Reid said. "He's going to be something special athletically and academically. When I first saw him I knew he was going to be something special. He has the potential to play on Sundays and every college coach has told me that because of his size."