4-Star DB C.J. Pollard Reveals Top 4 to B/R: Where Does He Fit Best?

C.J. Pollard is the type of defensive back who wants the title "do-it-all athlete."

Need him to play cornerback? No problem. Need him to line up at safety? Piece of cake.

Whether the 4-star defensive back from California's Junipero Serra High School is shutting down receivers or delivering the big hit, Pollard has been one to watch. On Sunday, after earning an invitation to The Opening, Pollard broke down what he called his "unofficial top four," a quartet of schools that currently lead the way in his recruiting process.

Emphasis on "currently."

"Right now, I'm looking at USC, Arizona State, Utah and Michigan," said Pollard, the nation's No. 16 safety. "They are four schools that really catch my attention. Not to say that another school can't come in, but I'm thinking about visiting those schools [officially]."

Pollard's versatility would be an asset at any one of the four schools, but if level of comfort is playing the X-factor, look for USC to win this battle. The school is minutes away from home, and he said he loves the "family vibe" and the potential of the program under head coach Steve Sarkisian.

Plus, the Trojans are fresh off landing the nation's No. 2 recruiting class for 2015, barely losing the No. 1 spot to Alabama. He's expecting USC to be good for quite some time.

Still, there's plenty of time for Pollard to make a decision, and contrary to what some may believe, there are no favorites on his list—only potential favorites.

Pollard, who measured at 6'1" and 182 pounds at The Opening's Los Angeles regional, has his reasons for liking all four of the programs high on his list. Utah was his first offer. He said he's taking an unofficial visit there on April 25.

USC has the proximity edge, and he's familiar with the program. Arizona State, however, will get his next unofficial visit. He has a track meet in Chandler, Arizona, and Tempe is roughly a 20-minute drive away.

Pollard said he's a big fan of Pac-12 football. The wild card of the bunch will be Michigan. While he noted Michigan's rich football tradition, he's very intrigued by potentially being coached by Jim Harbaugh.

"That's the school Coach Harbaugh's taking over, and nothing but greatness is expected," Pollard said. "With his NFL expertise, he should be able to master the college level. I think after he gets a season under his belt, that school will end up being dominant."

USC leads Pollard's 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions. In fact, of the nine predictions made for the defensive back, all nine project him to play for Sarkisian and the Trojans.

Pollard said he's planning on taking his time with the process. He added that he will keep his ears open for other offers. LSU, Alabama and Florida State, Pollard said, are three schools that could sneak into contention if they were to offer.

"If they have interest in me, I have interest in them," Pollard said.

Pollard showed on Sunday that he has the skills to play anywhere. He was outstanding at the Los Angeles regional and earned an invitation to The Opening national event this summer in Oregon. It's an event he called "football heaven" for college football recruits.

At the regional competition, Pollard ran a 4.58-second 40-yard dash. He also threw the power ball 37.5 feet and recorded a vertical jump of 32.9 inches. It was during the actual defensive back drills, however, when he shined the most, showcasing quick feet and good overall instincts.

The Opening, he said, was a goal of his. Finding a college home is just as important—if not more.

"I just want to show that I can play wherever I'm needed," Pollard said. "I think most like me at safety, but I can play corner and show off my coverage skills. If not, I'll just be a straight-up DB, down to play wherever my team needs me."

Damon Sayles is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All quotes were obtained firsthand. Player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Damon via Twitter: @DamonSayles