Interview: 2018 New York WR Sean Ryan Talks Temple Owls Verbal Commitment

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

May the recruitment of Class of 2018 wide receiver Sean Ryan serve as a case sample nationwide of the good and bad of the process. Ryan did his own version of Planes, Trains, and Automobiles working his way from one college campus to another, on his own dime and sometimes by himself, diligent throughout the process looking for his best fit at the next level. In the end, a head football coach demonstrating to be genuine and sincere over braggadocios or cocky proved to be the winning touch on landing the underrated three-star talent.

Ryan jumped on college scouting boards across the country after helping Eramus Hall to a 10-2 record in 2016. Showcasing his receiving skills was one thing, but coupled with his 6-3.5, 193 pound, frame was all 10 college programs needed to drop an offer. Ryan secured offers from Maryland, Rutgers, Buffalo, Bowling Green, Western Michigan, Syracuse, Boston College, Nebraska and Purdue but a Saturday, July 29, visit to Temple was what sealed the deal connecting the Owls to the rising Brooklyn standout. Temple won out over a July 31 posted Top 4 of Temple, Rutgers, Boston College, and Purdue.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the top 2018 prospects in the state of New York to find out how the Owls’ coaching staff gained Ryan’s verbal commitment.

Interview

Sean, congratulations on your commitment to Temple.

“Thank you.”

Fill me in on everything. You took an unofficial with the Owls on July 29. Obviously, it went well. In your words, how did that visit go for you?

“It went great. When I got there, I took the bus down – not a long ride, I met up with their head coach, Coach (Geoff) Collins. I ate lunch and then went up to his office. We talked about my future and what it would be like there for me if I committed to play for the Owls. Coach Collins said with me coming in there early, I would get a head start on the process as an early enrollee.”

How did Coach Collins tell you they would utilize your skills within their scheme?

“He told me they have some guys that will be graduating soon. He told me that I can be that go-to guy when I get there. Coach Collins told me that I was their No. 1 guy on their recruiting list. During my freshman year, they want to use me as a red zone threat.”

Nice. During your visit, what all did you do and see while on campus? And, what did you think of everything you saw?

“I took a tour of the campus. It is definitely different there. I was impressed with the things they showed me. The locker room is cool. I look great in an Owls uniform (laughs). That was pretty neat. I liked everything I saw there.”

The visit went well, you had a great conversation with Coach Collins, and liked the campus. You announced your commitment on Aug. 2, what other factors led to your commitment to Temple?

“I’ve taken a lot of visits, I’ve been checking out a lot of places. Temple stood out to me. I’ve taken a lot of trips. The different coaches have tried to impress me with what they have or what they will get but that does not help me for college or as a person. They talk about getting new jerseys – that does not impress me at all.

“Temple had open arms. You normally do not get to interact with a head coach. Normally, you go through the staff – position coaches, recruiting coordinator, and an area recruiter. Talking with Coach Collins, him telling me about my role at Temple and how they will use me, that impressed me. That is what led to my commitment.”

You announced on Wednesday, but is that when you verbally committed to Temple or did you commit during your visit?

“I committed on Wednesday, not during my unofficial. When I was there, they wanted a commitment. I wanted to do more research before I committed. What made me pull the trigger, Coach Collins called me. He told me, ‘I’m watching your film right now.’ That impressed me, coming from the head coach and offensive coordinator, Coach (Dave) Patenaude. He told me some more about the school then and how they will treat me as a player on the team. I felt comfortable with Temple and the coaching staff.”

This sounds like an off-the-cuff commitment. The coaches call just to check in and then you commit. I doubt they were expecting it. How did they respond to your commitment?

“Coach Collins thought I was joking. He did not believe me at first. It took me a while to let him know I am not joking. He told me that I will not regret it and that I will be taken care of at Temple.”

Since this was an unplanned commitment, but one you have put a lot of time and thought into, how did you feel at that moment when you verbally committed?

“It was a great feeling. Committing is a major stress reliever for me. No more nights on the phone with different coaches and plane rides and bus rides to different schools. I can put more energy into my team and my season instead of stressing about recruiting and the next four years of my life.”

It is early, but have you set an official visit date with Temple yet?

“I will take an official visit to Temple but I have not set a date. Right now, I am focused on the season and having a blast with the fellas. Most likely, I will take my official after the season.”

Do you plan on recruiting other players to join you?

“Oh yeah! Most definitely. You have to build your home. I’m looking forward to getting guys to help me take over Philadelphia.”

How are you going to pitch the other players to join you?

“Share with them the same way I was impressed. They will be impressed too. I will tell them the truth about what got me interest in Temple.”

Have you connected with any of the other Temple 2018 recruits yet?

“I spoke to Trad Beatty (Columbia, SC), their committed quarterback.”

Did you guys hit it off?

“He is cool. He is a leader. I look forward to him being our quarterback and leading us to a championship.”

A quick look ahead to your senior year. How are team practices going?

“We just finished our last summer practice. We get a break, then hell week, and then fall camp starts. I’m spending a lot of time with guys. We have two other guys that have committed to Division-I schools (Matt Jones – DT to Ohio State and Aron Cruickshank – WR to Wisconsin). Our expectations are high going into the season. We are ready to have a great season.”

Is there one team you are looking forward to playing this year?

“Yes. Our rival, Curtis High School (Staten Island).”

Sean, thanks for your time today and, again, congratulations on your commitment to Temple.

“Thank you and God bless.”

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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Sean Ryan at the LA Nike Opening Regional

Photo credit: twitter.com; Sean Ryan’s posted Top 4