Peyton Pollock Isn't The Only Masked Man in the Family

Carbondale, IL - When it comes to strong family traditions, the Pollock family has a long standing history of college athletics.  Most recently, Cody Pollock, a 6' 3", 298 pound sophomore at Southern Illinois University, has become the latest edition to the carry forward the family legacy.  Cody has earned the reputation a player filled with football madness for the Saluki's football team. 

Cody is the first born son to Dan and Monta Pollock.  Many local Dexter residents may not be aware of Cody athleticism, as he played his high school career at Crystal City High School, near St. Louis.  During his high school days, he had a stellar career as an interior lineman and received many honors during his junior and senior seasons.

Pollock was a two-time All-Conference offensive tackle, a first-team All-Region offensive and defensive tackle as a senior and a three-time Academic All-State selection for the CCHS Hornets.  He was also a member of the two-time Class 2, District 2 championship team and he was named first-team Jefferson County Leader Dream Team defensive tackle. 

Cody's passion has always been to become a division one college football player at Southern Illinois University.  His grandfather played for the Salukis and for the University of Minnesota.  His dad, Dan, was also a collegiate athlete and played football for the Bearcats of Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO.  It only seemed natural for Cody to pursue his dream of becoming a division one football player.

As a priority freshman walk-on for the Saluki squad in 2012, Pollock did not participate in any games as a redshirt freshman in 2013.  Over his first two seasons with SIU, Cody earned the reputation of creating excitement during practices sessions by challenging his teammates.  His enthusiastic attitude gained him some positive attention and the respect of the SIU coaching staff.

"It's definitely been a roller coaster ride so far, but in the end I don't know what I would be doing with my life without football," said Cody.

"This team has a feel about it that I've never been apart of before," continued Pollock.   "I'm excited to see where we end up at the end of the season."

SIU overwhelmed their opponent in the 2014 season opener with a 45-0 win over Taylor University.  The Salukis were full throttle on both sides of the ball throughout the game, with big plays from the first play from scrimmage to outstanding defensive performance throughout the game.

Cody Pollock's name may not have graced the sports pages of Southeast Missouri, but the Pollock name is making itself known every Friday night on KFVS12 Heartland Football Friday.   Brother Peyton Pollock gains the attention of area defensive units with his passing and running skills from his quarterback position for the Dexter Bearcats. 

The Pollock's will continue to deliver football players in the coming years as the youngest siblings continue their march to the Bearcat land of Charles "Seed" Bland Stadium.  Brother's Brodie Pollock currently plays junior high football and Brett will play junior high football next year.

Dan and Monta moved to Dexter in the Summer of 2013, when Dan took the position of principal at Dexter High School.  Monta is a registered physical therapist with Select Rehab.

College athletics is not a stranger to the family.  Monta was a college basketball player at both NOC Junior College and also at Southwest Baptist University.  Her father, Albert Urban, was a basketball player as well, playing four years at Wichita State University. 

After suffering a high ankle sprain in the opening 45-0 win over Taylor University last Thursday evening, Cody will travel with the Salukis this Saturday to Charleston, Illinois where SIU will take on Eastern Illinois University at O'Brien Stadium.  Game time is at 6:00 PM.  You can catch all the football action on the Salukis Sports Network.

Cody will wear the name of his grandmother, Helen Pollock, on his jersey at the Black Out Cancer game against Western Illinois University on September 27th.  Mrs. Pollock passed away after a battle with breast cancer. 

Congratulations Cody!!!  You are now a Division One Football Player for the Southern Illinois University Salukis.  Best wishes for a great season.

Cody is pictured below with his grandparents after succeeding on his dream of becoming a division 1 football player against Taylor University.  From left to right, Jean Pollock, Vern Pollock, Cody Pollock #67, Elbert Urban and Joyce Urban. 

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