SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. – Days like Friday aren’t for Sean Pollard.

The four-star offensive guard decided to put an end to his recruitment during an announcement ceremony on Friday afternoon at Pinecrest High School. With hats from UNC, N.C. State, Duke, Wake Forest and Clemson sitting on a table in front of him, Pollard chose the orange lid with a white tiger paw.

“It’s amazing. It’s a lot of pressure lifted off your shoulders, because I don’t like the recruiting process,” Pollard told TheClemsonInsider, after he announced his commitment to Clemson.

“It’s amazing, but I just don’t like being in the spotlight like that. I just like working hard and showing what I’ve got on the field, so just getting it done feels amazing.”

A number of factors led to Pollard’s decision to go with Clemson.

“Education, obviously they win games, they play hard, they’re good at what they do, family and just the atmosphere,” Pollard said.

Pollard came to the realization that Clemson would be the choice a little more than a week ago.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney got word the on Thursday night. Pollard also spoke with the offensive coordinators Tony Elliott and Jeff Scott, plus offensive line coach Robbie Caldwell.

“They were excited,” Pollard said. “Obviously, I’m the first of the 2016 o-line class. Basically (they said), it’s a good, stable position to help lead the class and all that kind of stuff.

“They’re ready for me to get down there and start working hard and playing.”