Louisville football: Three Virginia players to watch for

Tony Poljan, Tight End

Poljan is the mismatch nightmare on the Virginia offense that Louisville will have to account for. The 6’7″ 265-pounder is a load for any defense to handle.

The Cardinals are going to have to scheme ways to cover him as he has become one of Virginia’s biggest receiving threats.

Poljan transferred to Virginia from Central Michigan as a graduate student. At Central Michigan, Poljan was a second-team All-MAC performer at tight end during his junior season.

He was recruited originally out of high school as quarterback and played the position through his freshman year at CMU before he transitioned to playing tight end in 2018.

His progress from there has been astounding. That is part of the reason he earned an invite to the 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl. This event is the most prestigious event for college football seniors who are looking to be drafted into the NFL Draft.

Poljan lines up in-line with his hand in the dirt and he has the body-type to be an effective blocker. However, as a converted quarterback, he is still learning hand placement and the technique that goes into blocking at the position.

He actually is at his best as a pass catcher. It’s shocking how well Poljan can move for a man of his size. He has some nuance to his route running in the intermediate game and he had an astounding toe-tapping touchdown catch in the end zone against Miami this season.

He has four touchdowns on the year and is still developing into a complete player. If Louisville wants to win, the defense needs to key in on Poljan and limiting his opportunities to catch the football.