clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Virginia lands grad transfer TE Tony Poljan from Central Michigan

Poljan brings size and experience to the Cavaliers.

NCAA Football: Central Michigan at Kentucky Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

The Cavaliers added a big piece to the team on Thursday evening as graduate transfer Tony Poljan chose Virginia to finish out his career. The former Central Michigan Chippewa was in the transfer portal for just one day before choosing the Hoos.

Poljan took to Twitter to announce his decision:

At 6-7 and 258 pounds, Poljan adds some much needed size, depth, and experience to the tight ends room. Tanner Crowley — who had 28 receptions for 311 yards and one touchdown last season — graduated after the 2019 season. That leaves one junior (TJ Kitts), one sophomore (Grant Misch), and three freshmen (or RS freshmen) in the TE corps.

Last season with CMU, Poljan caught 33 passes for 496 yards and four touchdowns. He earned Second Team All-MAC honors for his performance, and fills an immediate need for the Cavaliers.

[Check out the 2:01 mark for Poljan’s touchdown.]

Despite his big frame — which is perfect for pass protect or breaking tackles — Poljan is nimble. He’s aware of his spacing and nabbed an impressive touchdown against Akron last season that’s worth a watch (0:51 mark):

CMU vs Akron Highlights

Chippewas Win! CMU moves to 2-1 on the season and 1-0 in the MAC after taking down Akron 45-24 in the MAC opener! The Chippewas will head to the University of Miami for their next game on September 21st! #FireUpChips

Posted by Central Michigan Football on Saturday, September 14, 2019

A Lansing, Michigan native, Poljan picked the Chippewas over Michigan State, Nebraska, and Minnesota. Out of high school, he was rated a three-star recruit by 247Sports and was the No. 19 ranked dual-threat quarterback in the nation. Over his combined sophomore and junior seasons, he went 89-for-168 (53%) for 703 yards with two touchdowns and five interceptions as the quarterback, and added 12 receptions for 222 yards and two touchdowns.

Michigan State and UCLA were among those rumored to be interested in him on the transfer market, but Poljan quickly made his choice to head to Charlottesville.

He will work with Virginia’s new tight ends coach, Ricky Brumfield, who was announced in the role on Wednesday, July 15. Brumfield coached tight ends while at the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2016 ad 2017, and he will continue to manage the special teams with the Cavaliers as well.

The addition of Poljan comes on the heels of Virginia flipping Boston College commit Jonas Sanker.