Arrival of linemen beefs up camp, Pollock shines at receiver
February 12, 2007 - World Indoor Football League 2 (WIFL 2)
Columbus Lions News Release
COLUMBUS, GA, February 12 -- Now the real fun and competition begin. With a full week of training camp under their belts, the Columbus Lions' quarterbacks, receivers, linebackers and defensive backs were joined by the big boys tonight, with ten linemen and several mulit-position players joining the nightly workouts at A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium.
The early returns show a slightly depleted offensive line that, due to injury and an Arena Football League callup, will force rookies to step up right away to protect a very talented group of point-producers. Veteran center Troy Bennett reported with a torn hamstring that will limit him for the next week or two, though he's known for playing through fairly major injuries. Yesterday's signing of Brandon Hall by the Los Angeles Avengers left guard Steve Davis the only available lineman experienced in indoor football, and he needs some time to get his massive frame into top football condition.
Rookie offensive linemen Joe Kegler (Carver H.S. and Fort Valley State), DeAngelo Zeigler (Alabama State) and Michael Stewart (Fort Valley State) have opportunities to make their mark while Bennett heals and Head Coach Jason Gibson works the phones to find suddenly-needed additional centers and guards.
"We have a lot of work to do on the O-line," said Gibson, who was pleased with the play of defensive linemen Jauron Dailey (Florida A & M and Washington Redskins), Musa Nash (Fort Valley State), Schuyler Weaver (Central H.S. and Tuskegee) and Ian Kinsey (Shaw H.S. and Alabama State). "However, all but one projected starter on offense are rookies in the indoor game. Yet I can't bring in anyone who will disrupt what we have going as a team. We pretty much have to get through this sudden period of shorthandedness."
The Lions also lost receiver Chris Porch (Tennessee-Chattanooga) for three weeks with a hip flexor suffered when he took a helmet and suffered a deep bone bruise. But depth at receiver has been good, with major contributions from Jarwarski Pollock, Juval Winston and Tirone Morris.
Two veteran kickers start competing tomorrow, with former Columbus Wardog and Macon Knight Wes Wilson battling ex-Chattahoochee Valley Viper Gene Davis (Harris County H.S.) for the job. Wilson says he's recovered from a hernia suffered at Green Bay that cost him the better part of the 2006 season.
FEATURED LION: What kind of name is Jarwarski Pollock (pronounced POH-lick)? And how fortunate are the Lions to have signed the University of North Carolina's all-time leading receiver?
Pollock, 23, is an engaging young man, the youngest of six boys (he also has three sisters) born to Oretta Pollock of Bradenton, Florida, a school teacher for 24 years and "the biggest influence" in his life. To hear Jarwarski tell the story, she had a college friend with a son named Jaworski -- like Ron, the former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback and current network football commentator -- but not named for him.
"It had nothing to do with football. My mom liked the name because the boy was happy-go-lucky, and she wanted her youngest son to be that way. Trust me, there's nothing Polish about my family or my first name -- my brothers are Gary, Shedrick, Steve, Edward and Travis. My sisters are Tan, Monique and Nicky. It's a great conversation starter, but my name had nothing to do with football or a play on words," Jarwarski said, grinning the whole time.
How he got to UNC is a story of perseverance. Pollock's grades were fine, but high school ACT and SAT test scores scared off nearby schools like Florida and Florida State. He said "North Carolina stayed with me and without prep school, by graduating in four years, I was able to play football my fifth year".
Pollock sat out his freshman season of 2001, caught 38 passes the next season, then shattered the school's single-season reception record with 71 catches for 745 yards. He added 45 catches for 408 yards as a senior, also returning punts for an 8.4 average. His career total of 177 is also a Tar Heel record.
Pollock said "I'm a little receiver (5'7", 170) who loves going over the middle. I'm not afraid to get hit because you know it's coming, but I specialize in turning short catches into long runs. You have to be fearless or you'll drop balls when you hear footsteps. I've been knocked out twice, had one mild concussion, but I was fine and back playing in about four days, cleared by the team doctors.
"Coach Gibson made it clear my role with the Lions is as a deep threat. I have moves for days, and I'm like a little pinball machine -- I pride myself in not allowing the first tackler to take me down. And returning kicks is where I open some eyes and make things happen. I look forward to the opportunity to helping us win, accomplish what we need to win the championship. Then my play can allow me to go to Arena Football 1, the Canadian League or eventually, the NFL. You can't start from the top. I know I'll make an impact in Columbus, just need the chance. I'll never settle for less than the best I can do."
World Indoor Football League 2 Stories from February 12, 2007
- Arrival of linemen beefs up camp, Pollock shines at receiver - Columbus Lions
- Another close one, Thunder falls by two to Spartans in opener - Daytona Beach Thunder
- Career day for Broadhurst - Daytona Beach Thunder
- Spartans QB Hatcher blessed with seasoned receivers - Augusta Colts
- Block that kick, Spartans do and win season opener, 49-47 - Augusta Colts
- WIFL opener in the books - WIFL 2
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