4-Star DB C.J. Pollard Following His Father's Footsteps to USC

BEAVERTON, Oregon — California defensive back C.J. Pollard did his homework. He knows the history, and he's a fan of the past and present success.

USC was an easy choice—for a variety of reasons.

Pollard, a 4-star defensive back from Junipero Serra High School, chose the Trojans during seven-on-seven play at The Opening Thursday afternoon. He became USC's 15th commit for the 2016 class.

For many, the decision wasn't a surprise. After all, Pollard is the son of Marvin Pollard, a cornerback for the Trojans from 1988 to 1991.

"My dad played DB at USC, and he was a guy who they say was a lot more athletic than me," Pollard said. "But they also say I'm a lot stronger than him. I think he's a good person. He's done it; he's very credible, and he's played at a high level.

"He never forced it upon me, but when I told him I wanted to go to USC, he thought it was a good decision."

Pollard, who is playing seven-on-seven at The Opening for the Alpha Pro team, said he's known for "about two-and-a-half or three months" that USC was the place for him. He chose the Trojans over offers from Michigan, Oregon, Notre Dame, Arizona State and a host of others.

Credi: 247Sports

The official announcement came Thursday, but Pollard said he silently committed to the Trojans during that spring practice. He then told Steve Sarkisian and his coaching staff that he would keep everything under wraps.

"I went in the middle of practice one day, and I told [Sarkisian] I wanted to be a Trojan," Pollard said. "I told him I wanted to commit and if he was OK with that. He said yes and to take my time. They kept that secret for me."

He added: "I was about 80 percent knowing I was [going to] USC, but getting other big offers, I had to look at them, too. Oregon? Michigan? Arizona State? Those are good opportunities, but I knew deep down inside what was best for me."

Thursday's announcement gave the Trojans a versatile defender in the secondary, someone who can play cornerback and safety effectively. He's ranked as the nation's No. 10 safety, but at 6'1" and 180 pounds, he's a reliable option at cornerback, if necessary, because of his speed.

"I'm going to play safety, but I'm down to play whatever position they put me," he said. "I'm even down to play nickel."

Pollard's decision gives the Trojans yet another player from Serra, a West Coast recruiting powerhouse. USC has five Serra players on its 2015 roster. One of the players Pollard relied on for advice is Adoree' Jackson, a do-it-all athlete who Pollard believes is headed for a top national honor.

"Adoree' Jackson is a realist. He's a guy who always keeps it real with me," Pollard said. "He's a guy I can count on and work out with. I can hang on to his shoulders. He's a guy you want to follow; he's going to be up for the Thorpe [Jim Thorpe Award, given to the top college defensive back] pretty soon.

"It seems like every player that's been to USC [from Serra] has had some success. I don't see it stopping any time soon."

Pollard is excited about his choice, but he said he still has priorities to address. He first wants to help his Alpha Pro squad capture the seven-on-seven title. He then wants to focus on helping Serra win a state championship. Finally, Pollard wants to finish strong academically.

But for now, "blessed" was how he described the feeling.

"This process isn't over until you sign, so I've got to keep up everything on my end," he said. "I need to finish all my goals in football and in the classroom. I feel blessed, but there's a lot more that has to get done."

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