Robert Pollard

From the moment he set foot on the Bolles campus as a freshman in 1993, Pollard was on the recruiting radar as a triple threat at running back, defensive back and special teams. He scored a touchdown on his first varsity touch – an 88-yard kickoff return – and continued to produce highlights one after another. One recruiting service called Pollard the best player in the nation – as a sophomore.

According to the Times Union, Pollard was rated higher as a senior than future NFL stars Champ Bailey, Plaxico Burress and Edgerrin James. As a freshman, Pollard saw the field in a crowded backfield at times but made his presence known quickly on special teams taking numerous returns back for touchdowns, including a memorable one against Lee (Riverside) in the first round of the playoffs on the way to winning a state title that year.

As a sophomore in 1994, he averaged 14.0 yards a carry running for well over 1,000 yards, while picking off five passes on defense and returning five kicks for touchdowns on special teams for the Bulldogs. He led them to the third round of the playoffs. After two all state years at Bolles, Pollard made the decision to return home to Orange Park Florida and play for Orange Park High School.

Unfortunately for Pollard, things didn’t pan out well his junior year, as Pollard missed his entire season in 1995, after recovering from a severe injury to his arm after it went through a window during an altercation at a party. Pollard would return for his senior season in 1996, playing on both sides of the ball, and rushing for 977 yards and 20 touchdowns. 

Pollard would sign with powerhouse Nebraska. At the time, Pollard was the first Jacksonville high school player to sign with the Corn Huskers. However, Pollard would never play a down for them, refusing their request to attend a military prep school prior to enrollment. Pollard instead picked Mississippi’s Hinds Community College and would play there for two years before monving back to Orange Park. 

Pollard had try-outs with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 1999 and a short Arena Football league career with the Orlando Predators. He would make several attempts at semi-pro leagues as well before being forced to hang up his cleats for good due to years of off the field issues.

Pollard passed away in 2020, and is still regarded as one of the best prep football stars the area has ever seen.