University of Memphis Athletics
Photo by: George Kubas
Tigers Football Q&A: Tony Pollard
Sep 06, 2017 | Football
Sophomore kick return specialist logged his school-record third return for TD vs. ULM.
Q: When you returned the kickoff for a touchdown against Temple last season, did you immediately know that you had ended the program's 20-year stretch without a kick return for a touchdown?
A: Instantly. That's all we talked about in special teams meetings. We had it highlighted on every PowerPoint. I knew exactly what was going on. As soon as Coach (Joe) Lorig got here, he said this is the year we are going to return a kick (for a touchdown). We got the first one, and it broke the ice. Last season, we ended up returning three kicks for touchdowns. It still is a point of emphasis for us.
Q: What is the first instinct on a kickoff return?
A: The first thing that coaches always tell us is to secure the catch. Then, after I catch the ball, everything else is just natural. I go full speed, hit the hole and follow the blocking scheme that we have. We practice it every day: hit the hole full speed, trust the blocking and know it's going to open up.
Q: How much thinking is involved in a kickoff return?
A: I feel if you start to think, then that's when you're going to mess up. You just have to be natural, do what it is that God blessed you to do, and trust the scheme.
Q: You are such a versatile player. What's your favorite part of the game?
A: Growing up my favorite part was offense. In little league (football), I played on special teams, but I scored so many times on offense, and that's why I liked it more. Now, my favorite part is returning kicks.
Q: You also blocked a kick last season. How was that?
I surprised myself when I blocked that kick because I got to him so quickly. We are taught to block kicks with your hands, but I ended up blocking it with my stomach because I got there so fast. When I realized I had blocked it, I looked back and saw Doroland Dorceus pick it up. I just celebrated with everybody.
Q: Did you grow up knowing you wanted to go to Memphis?
A: When I was growing up, Memphis had a down period in football, but I always cheered for the team because I lived here and wanted them to do well. When I started high school, I saw the program get better and that started to increase my interest in going to school at Memphis.
Q: Favorite Memphis place?
I have to go with Pollard's BBQ (family business) every time. It is my favorite place. It gave me a little advantage. Kids were always looking for ways to make a little money, and I could always do a few things here and there at the restaurant and make a little easy money.
Q: Anything unique about you?
A: I have a big thing for dogs. My dad and I love training dogs, and we have some German Shepherds at the house.
NOTE: This Q&A with Tony Pollard first appeared in the Aug. 31 Tigers Football GameDay Program.
Players Mentioned
RB
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