Sean Pollard earns The Opening invite, connects with future teammates

Pollard, J.C. Chalk, Cornell Powell and Diondre Overton at the Nike event Saturday

by Nikki Hood - Staff Writer - Sun May 10 08:31:10 GMT-04:00 2015

CHARLOTTE, NC - Mission Accomplished.

Sean PollardSean Pollard
Offensive Guard
6-5, 295
Southern Pines, NC
ESPN:
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After a long, hot day on the football field at Charlotte (NC) Mallard Creek High School, the 4-star offensive lineman and Clemson commit can say he accomplished everything he set out to do.

TigerNet was on hand for the day's activities and spoke to the Southern Pines (NC) Pinecrest lineman moments after Pollard earned one of the coveted invites.

"It was a sense of relief that they noticed my hard work," Pollard told TigerNet. "I was going up against the best competition and showed out and opened eyes. Now I get to go against the best competition in Oregon."

Going in to the Regional competition, Pollard said he wanted to prove he could play against any level of competition. After going up against the likes of Notre Dame commit Julian OkwaraJulian Okwara
Defensive End
6-4 , 220
Charlotte, NC
View Full Profile and Texas commit Mark Jackson, Pollard did just that.

"Because we come from a run-option offense, most people don't think that I can pass protect, but I think I proved that I can hang," he said. "I just want to get better. I enjoy the competition. I'm a workaholic. There are some of the top athletes here, so why not go against the best."

However, he knows there will be a different level of talent in Oregon when he goes on to face the best of the best from around the country.

"It's pretty awesome. It gives me a chance to grow," he said. "I don't know where I'm going to be at The Opening. With me playing tackle, it gives me more reps to get better and if I'm playing guard I'll be happy with that."

More than just the competition, Pollard said he's looking forward to seeing the swag he'll receive from Nike.

"To be honest, the gear and obviously the competition," he said. "That's the reason I want to go."

Although, Saturday was mostly work and Pollard spent his time with the offensive linemen and battling the defensive linemen, he also made time to meet up with fellow Clemson commits Cornell PowellCornell Powell
Wide Receiver
6-1, 185
Greenville, NC
ESPN:
View Full Profile and J.C. ChalkJ.C. Chalk
Tight End
6-4, 221
Argyle, TX
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View Full Profile .

"Just because it's a family and they carry themselves with the same pride that ever Clemson guy does, so it's fun to just connect and see how they're doing," he said.