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Rutgers announced in September 2013 that DT Jamil Pollard would no longer be playing football for the Knights because of career-ending injuries, although he would stay around the program and work toward his degree. Pollard's loss left a serious depth problem for RU to overcome on the defensive line last year.
Apparently, Pollard's (unspecified) injuries were not as bad as the team's medical staff initially thought. Coach Flood announced today that the former blue-chip recruit would be rejoining the Scarlet Knights.
DT Jamil Pollard back on the Rutgers roster. He originally stopped playing for good because of an injury, according to coach Kyle Flood.
— Tom Luicci (@TomLuicci) March 24, 2014
The West Deptford native was a 4* recruit in high school, ranked by Rivals as the 20th best DT in the country. He committed to Penn State, but never set foot on the practice field in State College. Pollard transferred closer to home after the Sandusky sanctions were announced, when players could transfer without restriction.
Pollard has been through his share of tragedy and hard times, so this is a welcome break for the big fella. Here's hoping he stays healthy and productive in 2014.