University of Virginia Tight Ends Coach Ricky Brumfield recalled the coaching staff’s immediate excitement upon learning that Central Michigan tight end Tony Poljan had entered the transfer portal in July.

“Immediately we went after him because we knew our depth at the tight end position – we had Grant Misch, who is doing a phenomenal job as well, but we knew we needed another big-body guy to help us out offensively,” Brumfield said. “We saw him in the portal, and as soon as he went in the portal we went in and attacked.”

The addition of Poljan was hailed on a national level, with Fox Sports and The Athletic college football reporter Bruce Feldman calling it “quite a pick-up for UVA.” The 6’7”, 260-pound senior was touted as having NFL potential despite only playing the tight end position at Central Michigan for one full season – the 2019 campaign, when he totaled 33 catches for 496 yards on his way to earning All MAC Second Team honors. In addition to the potential in the passing game, Brumfield highlighted his physical blocking presence as a plus too.

Filling a major need – Grant Misch would have been the only tight end with any experience on the roster had Poljan not come aboard – with an experienced potential pro is optimal. But unknowns still remained. How quickly would Poljan pick up the offense? How well would he mesh with his new team in a short amount of time? Through fall camp, comments from fellow players and coaches made it evident that things were going well. Even so, if the Duke game is any indication, the match could prove to be better than the Virginia staff had hoped.

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