DJ Pollard More Than a Cliche

To say that DJ Pollard “has heart” is straddling the fence of disrespect in the eyes of the Irwin County faithful.  Since his freshman year (2012), he has given his all to the Indians’ program, and in the process, put the team on his back whenever necessary.

In DJ’s freshman year, Irwin County finished with a record of 7-4.  The team earned a playoff spot, but it ended quickly with a 31-6 first-round defeat at the hands of the Trion Bulldogs (Trion, Ga.).  In his sophomore campaign, the Indians finished with a record of 10-2-1.  To add to their success, the team nearly made their way through the GHSA Class A State Playoffs before falling in the semifinals, by only one point, to Charlton County (Folkston, Ga.).

Last season, the Indians went 11-2-1, and their drive earned them their first region title since 1997.  They made history by becoming the first Indians team to go undefeated at home, and they took their season to the Georgia Dome (where the later rounds of the GHSA playoffs are held) for the first time since 1997.   Although the Indians fell to Hawkinsville in the state title game, they realized an important fact: hard work will take you where you want to go.

For his junior-year efforts at linebacker, DJ was named to the All-State Team as well as Defensive Region Co-Player of the Year.  But his talent and ability extends far beyond the secondary; in his senior year, he has spent more time on the offensive side of the line, suiting up at fullback.  And, according to head coach Buddy Nobles, it has already paid off nicely.

“He’s all about action,” Coach Nobles says.  “He’s playing more running back this year, and he’s one of our leading rushers thus far.  But it’s not just about what he does on the field.  He’s outstanding in every aspect of everything he does.  DJ is just that kind of person.”

Standing a mere 5’5” and weighing in at just around 170 pounds, he may have heart, as so many enthusiasts say, but in Ocilla, it is much more than that.  DJ Pollard is the heart of the Irwin County Indians.

“During one game, (the coaching staff) noticed that DJ was in some pain,” Coach Nobles says.  “He was favoring his shoulder and his ankle.  But he wouldn’t leave the game.  We pretty much had to force him out.  At no point does he ever quit on this team.  He’s extremely dedicated and dependable.”

DJ has grown up in the Irwin community.  It is what he eats, breathes, and loves.  He first donned football at the age of 6, and his talent has increased as surely as his age.

“I love it here,” DJ says.  “This is my home.  Everyone here looks out for you; they care about you.  We’re one big family, and nothing will ever change that.”

“You know, people always put their best player in a box,” Coach Nobles says.  “And, if he’s a small guy, they always use the same cliché. They say he’s small with a big heart.  And sure, DJ’s got that.  But with him, it’s more, so much more.  He brightens everyone’s day.  And he carries himself well.  He’s all about representing his last name, and he does a terrific job of it.”

His last name carries weight in Ocilla; his father, David Pollard, is an Irwin County alumnus and was an outstanding athlete in his own right.

“We talk about everything,” DJ says.  “My dad played here.  He was an All-State linebacker (in 1996).  But more than football, we just talk about life. Most importantly, he teaches me to never give up, and to always think.  Think about my choices, my future, everything.  He’s always been there for me.”

It is DJ’s humble upbringing that has made him such a welcome presence in the Irwin County family.  He is described as a hard worker that puts in equal effort wherever he goes.  And he goes everywhere.  Aside from his success in the classroom and on the gridiron, he is also a member of the wrestling and tennis teams and competed as a part of the track team his freshman year.

“If you didn’t bring it up, he probably wouldn’t tell you that he was a state runner-up wrestler last year,” Coach Nobles says.  “ He can do it all.  And he does it with a smile.  He’s a lighthearted young man; we’ll often tease each other.  I’m not that tall myself, but I’m taller than him.  So I may throw a joke his way, and rather than get upset, he throws a joke right back.  He’s the kind of person that wants everyone around him to be happy.  We really treasure that around here.”

DJ has not decided where he would like to attend college; he is patiently waiting to see if he will receive any athletic offers.  His favorite subject is math; because of that, he would like to major in either mathematics or accounting.

But in the end, he hopes that whatever he does makes him family and community proud.

“It feels good to have people approach me in the community with support,” he says.  “I’ll have small children come up to me, or shout ‘Hey, DJ!’ from a distance.  Just to know that I have an impact on their lives is such a humbling feeling.”

Sidebar: While speaking to DJ, it is obvious that he is an extremely humble young man.  Above all, he made sure it was clear that he loves, respects, and appreciates everything and everyone that has helped him to the levels of success he has reached.

“My biggest inspiration is my family,” he says.  “My mom, my dad, and my brothers and sisters; I do this for them. I love them so much.  And my girlfriend, Braee Jordan, and her family.  They are always looking out for me, and I am really grateful for them.”

South Georgia / November 2015

DJ Pollard

Irwin County High School

Ocilla, Ga.

DJ Pollard: More than a Cliché

Photography by Sarah Turner

By James Washington