Sean Sullivan and YouTube and Oh My
by prepsports
Posted by Staff Writer Eric Branch:
I’ve been working on high school football preview stuff over the last few days. On Saturday, I was talking with Petaluma coach Steve Ellison and he was discussing Sean Sullivan, his 5-foot-8, 160-pound senior running back.
Ellison said a lot of colleges are interested in Sullivan, primarily Division I-AA and Division II schools. But Ellison said coaches from Cal and Washington have called to inquire about him and UCLA and San Diego State have sent notes.
To be honest, I initially thought it was ridiculous. Pac-10 schools sniffing around about a pocket-sized running back? I mean, I knew Sullivan was good. Really good. But Pac-10 good? Really?
But then Ellison mentioned Sullivan’s highlight packages from his sophomore and junior years on YouTube.
“I’ve had coaches call and tell me they’ve seen it and they think it’s just unbelievable,” Ellison said.
Ellison suggested I check them out.
I did.
And now I have a question: Why hasn’t USC called?
I’m kidding.
Kind of.
See for yourself:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjB_LZulRbo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmQfjOhmkQc&feature=PlayList&p=FFFF29793DDEDBA1&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=6
PD sports writer Eric Branch leads our blogging team on every aspect of Empire high school sports. Other contributors to this blog include Phil Barber, Michael Coit and Dewey Forget.
Sean is one of the top 2 RBs in the Redwood Empire and a top RB in Northern CA. He is a playmaker, tough and extremely quick and elusive. He may need to bulk up some for D1A ball, but he could make an immediate impact at kickoff and punt return. I know he attended several camps this year and was very impressive, so it might just take another big year and he’ll get some offers. I know his speed has improved from last year. He needs to get more carries…his yards per carry is very impressive.
by NorCalSportsFan
Of course, little guys like that can’t make it at the big NCAA schools or beyond. We all know that.
I remember a little guy who looked a lot like the Sean Sullivan videos. About 5′7′ OR 5′8″. He tried to play at Wichita (KS) North High School, but really didn’t get to play much ’til halfway through his junior year.
He turned in runs that looked a lot like Sullivans. But, after high school, you can hardly remember these little guys’ names. Let me see, this kid’s name was, ah….er…..oh yeah:
BARRY SANDERS
So, go get ‘em, Sean Sullivan.
by fred
Here is Sullivan’s scouting report from Scouts, Inc., which ESPN uses for its recruiting coverage. As of right now, they have Sullivan rated a one-star recruit with a 66 rating. Here’s the full report:
“Sullivan is a smaller, quick-footed back with good suddenness and shiftiness. He is greatly undersized which is a concern in terms of durability and running strength when projecting for the college. Projects to be more of change-of-pace or scat-back but not at the major college level. Reaches top-speed quickly through the hole; is very shifty and a sharp cutter. Not afraid to hit up hard inside. Consistently sidesteps and jump-cuts the first defender through the hole; shows good lateral footwork and quicks. Runs with good body control and balance aided by his low center of gravity. Elusive with both good openfield and in-line vision. Shows better-than-adequate burst out of his cuts and top-end speed when he breaks free into the second level; but not a game-breaker. A bit quicker than fast. Displays marginal power and explosiveness. Durability is a concern when projecting for the next level when asked to take it between the tackles. Would likely need to play in an open spread offense and be utilized creatively to contribute as a college running back. Does show adequate receiving skills needed to grow into a multi-purpose type of role. A tough competitor and is slippery to wrap up, but it may be hard to mask his lack of size and strength as a college back. May get a look at corner with his good footwork and loose hips.”
by Jared Cowley
The two best backs in the Redwood Empire are both undersized, Sean Sullivan and Cameron Erion of Windsor. I do not know how good they will be beyond high school, but they are two of the most excity running backs you will ever see. I recommend any high school football fan to put forth the effort to watch them both this year. Especially when Petaluma and Windsor face off in November.
by Gordon
Sullivan is way too small for D-1 but sac state,humboldt and davis will consider him.
by Scout
I think he’ll be moved to corner at the D-1AA level. Sac likes him a lot as does Davis but both want him to play corner. The ESPN eval is excellent. Quick but not fast, as he wasn’t even the fastest kid in the super(sic) tough SCL. Fountain beat him in both sprints. Just too small for running back at the college level. Erion doesn’t have grades for college.
by Scout
Sullivan and Keys remain the only 2 kids in the empire that I’m considering recommending. Keys looks like a low D-1 kid while Sean is headed to D-1AA, maybe D-2. Colleges are waiting on Sean to make sure he doesn’t get hurt this year. His lack of size is a massive concern.
by Scout
Sean is ok but the SCl isnt very good. Id like to see him play Newman, remember brian dorwkin? the person who was supposed to run all over CN? well he didnt. Newman is too good for any SCL or NBL team.
by realist