David Pollack learned, now he’s set to star

By Connor Byrne  |   Tuesday, June 27, 2006  |  Comments( 1 )

Cincinnati Bengals
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When he played for the Georgia Bulldogs' football team between 2001-2004, defensive end David Pollack was an enormous fish in the college football pond. Now that he's experienced a year with the Cincinnati Bengals at the strong-side linebacker position, Pollack knows what it's like to become a small fish in an NFL ocean.

In his rookie campaign, the elite collegiate pass rusher accumulated just 28 total tackles and a pedestrian 4 ½ sacks. Pollack started just six games, though, so his lacking numbers weren't totally his fault.

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis and defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan showed faith in their former first-round pick at the end of the Bengals' 11-5 season, allowing the first-year pro to start the last two games of the year. The 255-pounder rewarded his coaches for their trust in him, racking up 10 tackles and three sacks in a pair of losses to the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers.

It was evident that Pollack does, indeed, possess the ability to dominate a game at the pro level. As a rookie, Pollack took a backseat to two-year veteran Landon Johnson for most of the season. Although Johnson was adequate, he never demonstrated the skills to single-handedly change games or opposing drives with big contributions. The 25-year-old finished with 86 total tackles and a forced fumble, but didn't pick up any sacks or interceptions along the way.

There are reasons why Pollack became Georgia's second three-time All-American while with the Bulldogs and won the Chuck Bednarik Award in 2004, which is given to the nation's top defender. In short, the 24-year-old is blessed with the rare athleticism and a high-motor belonging to football's top rushers. Much of that can be attributed to something Pollack has always been known for--a superb work-ethic.

This season, there's no excuse for Pollack not to become a big-time success. He showed last season why he was the 17th overall pick in the 2005 draft, and is ready to stake his claim among the league's best rushers from the outside linebacker position.

Fellow Bengals second-year linebacker Odell Thurman got most of the attention for his great effort last season, but Pollack is aiming to become a household name, too, while helping the Cincinnati defense climb out of the lower-echelon.

With Pollack's dedication and limitless ability, never bet against him. Quarterbacks beware. No. 99 is coming to a city near you, and he's ready to prove himself all over again.

--Connor J. Byrne can be reached at cbyrne@realfootball365.com

Get more on David Pollack at Realfootball365.com
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