University of South Dakota Athletics

Jerry Pollard, originally of Clarks, NE, was a fixture in the offensive line from 1971-75 for the South Dakota Coyotes football team that won the North Central Conference titles in 1972-1974. Pollard excelled at all three positions for an offense that consistently averaged 275 yards rushing per game. Cited as one of the best blockers in the NCC, Pollard started 33 consecutive games - ,11 at left tackle as a sophomore and 22 at left guard as a junior and senior, while filling in at center when needed. Beanie Cooper, who took over as USD's head coach in 1975, said this about his veteran lineman during his senior campaign: "Jerry has tremendous talent and it shows. He's a great team leader and a fine person."