Central Michigan starting TE Poljan transferring to Virginia

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Posted on Thursday, Jul. 16, 2020, 9:34 pm

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By Jerry Ratcliffe

Photo: cmuchippewas.com

Virginia picked up some much-needed and experienced depth at the tight-end position Thursday night when Tony Poljan, formerly starting tight end for Central Michigan, announced he was transferring to Bronco Mendenhall’s program.

Poljan, a graduate transfer, chose UVA over hometown Michigan State, UCLA and others. He is the fourth transfer to commit to the Cavaliers this recruiting season, joining Ronnie Walker, a running back from Indiana; Keytaon Thompson, quarterback from Mississippi State, and Ra’Shaun Henry, a wide receiver from St. Francis (PA).

At 6-foot-7, 258 pounds, Poljan will add depth to UVA’s tight-end spot, where Grant Misch returns as projected starter.

Originally a 3-star quarterback prospect out of Lansing Catholic High in Lansing, Mich., he was rated a top 20 dual-threat QB by 247 Sports. Poljan was a quarterback on the Chippewas’ roster as a freshman in 2017 and opened the 2018 season as Central Michigan’s starting quarterback.

By the third game of the season, coaches moved him to tight end, where he flourished for the rest of his career there. Last season, Poljan started all 12 games as the team’s tight end. He hauled in 33 passes for 496 yards and four touchdowns.

For his effort, Poljan was voted second team, all Mid-American Conference for the Chippewas, who went 8-6 last season, finished at the top of the West division of the MAC and lost in the championship game to Miami-Ohio.

He was going to be the starter on CMU’s offense this season, which was to return eight starters from the championship team.

For his career at Central Michigan, Poljan posted 45 receptions for 781 yards and six touchdowns. He also passed for 703 yards (89 of 168), including two TDs and was intercepted five times. He also rushed for 248 yards and two scores on 91 attempts.