Interview with Rising 3-Star 2021 California CB O’Shae Pollard
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
After a junior season laying down the framework of being that overall athlete for Lawndale High School, Class of 2021 corner/receiver O’Shae Pollard was making big strides on the recruiting trail with his play on the 7v7 circuit. Lining up with national travel team Premium, the 6-0, 170-pound, Southern California product saw his recruiting efforts skyrocket earning an offer from Utah State in mid-February with teams up and down the west coast taking notice.
The offseason has brought about change for Pollard. The three-star recruit will apply his trade with a loaded Inglewood High School squad in 2020. To talk about his growing recruiting prospects and offseason workouts, Pollard steps inside the RNG Lab.
Interview
O’Shae, how did the 2019 season go for you on the field?
“Overall, it went well. I bonded with my teammates and I got better. I got extra work in after practice to get better. The coaches were great. They were hard on us pushing us to get better. It was great the whole season.”
Where all did you line up during your junior season?
“I played receiver, corner, and on special teams too. I was everywhere.”
What offensive set did you guys run last season?
“We were in a Spread.”
Which routes were you running?
“I ran some corners, outs, drags, digs, hitches, and some seem routes.”
How did your game improve last season as a receiver?
“As a receiver I improved by working with my quarterback. My hands, routes, and shiftiness all improved. After practice I stayed catching 100 passes form my quarterbacks to get better.”
On defense, what were some of the coverages you guys were running?
“We went man, off man, and Cover 3. We ran all the coverages. The coverage depended on the team we were playing and how they ran their offense.”
How did your game improve at corner last season?
“It improved by working on my technique. My footwork improved, I was faster, more physical at the line, and I become patient. I become more patient, worked my technique, improved on finding the ball, and improved my hips.”
During your senior season, where all will you line up for Inglewood?
“I will be on the defensive side of the ball at field corner. Maybe safety if they need me.”
How are you preparing for the 2020 season this spring?
“Man, I’ve been in the weight room at 5:00 a.m. every day, track practice, and I’ve been training with my coaches. I’ve even been double lifting sometimes. I am trying to get faster running track. Playing 7v7 with Premium has been a big part of my training. I’ve been going against the best receivers in other states and grinding, that helped get my name on the map.”
With track, which events were you going to compete in this spring?
“The 4×4, 100, and 200.”
Going into recruiting. You have an offer from Utah State, which schools are showing interest?
“UNLV, Cal, Yale, UCLA, San Diego State, Eastern Washington, Hawaii, San Jose State, Kansas, and Oregon State – I have been talking to them a lot. Coach Blue Adams wants me out there for a visit.”
Speaking of visits, over the last few months have you had a chance to take any?
“Yes. I went to Sac State, Houston – that was cool. Last week I supposed to go to a Junior Day at San Jose State but that was cancelled. Same for Fresno State and Cal too.
Once things get going again, beyond the schools you had planned on visiting, are there any others you may go see?
“I plan on going to Utah State for a visit.”
We are a ways off, but are there any college camps you might attend this summer?
“I may go to Oregon State, that’s all I know for right now. Maybe a USC camp; that is a big one.”
O’Shae, I appreciate your time today and wish you luck with your spring workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Lawndale HS/Pollard family; O’Shae Pollard pre-game (2019)
Photo credit: Nichole Noel; O’Shae Pollard with Premium