Interview: 2019 Florida OLB/DE Seth Coleman Returns from Basketball Hiatus to Seven Football Offers

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

For good reason, there is a lot of talk about unique athletes on the high school football fields. At every position, players shine and rise above their peer group dominating in some fashion capturing the imagination along the way. That excitement in the stands and on the sidelines, has a trickle effect reaching up to college scouts seeking top talent for their rosters. One Florida player with the athlete label that is drawing a lot of big attention is Seth Coleman, but his story is partially what makes him so unique.

Few can do what Coleman has done – seriously; very few. Coleman was a rising talent on the gridiron out of Melbourne but decided basketball might be his best shot at a collegiate scholarship offer. After taking his junior season off from football, one would think the 6-5, 195-pound, defensive end/outside linebacker would have a whole lot of ground to cover to draw recruiting attention. The thought has gone 180 degrees the other way with college coaches laying down a proverbial red carpet for the Holy Trinity High School product. Seven offers have been extended thus far with big Division-I interest coming in from schools like Texas A&M, South Florida, Georgia Tech, and Arizona State.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the improbable star in Florida’s 2019 recruiting class to learn more about his year off from football, his return to action, and how is recruiting process has gone thus far.

Interview

Seth, you took a year off from football in 2017, what other sport or sports have you been playing until embracing football again this spring?

“Basketball and track. I have run track most of my life – long jump and the hurdles.”

What brought you back to football?

“My family. I was progressing with football through my sophomore year. I was really starting to find myself as a defensive end then. Then I started focusing on basketball. With my year off, I really wanted to get back to football.”

How are you liking it so far? What is it like for you getting back on the field?

“I love it. It is fun every day.”

What have been some of the biggest learning points for you on the field this spring?

“A lot of my work this spring has been with my hands. I have been working on getting the offensive linemen off me. I am working on my speed and technique a lot.”

What else are you working on this offseason?

“I am working on my stance and get off. When I go to outside linebacker, being able to play that position – containing the outside and doing my job.”

How have spring practices gone with the team?

“They have gone really well. We have gotten better and better each day.”

What was that first impact like for you getting a tackle in live action this spring?

“It was a lot different from playing basketball, but it felt good to hit someone.”

Did you have a welcome back to football moment this spring?

“In one of our drills, we did a board drill. I got blown back at the start. I knew I had to step it up.”

College football coaches do not seem to be concerned about your year off but have welcomed you back with open arms; which schools are showing interest?

“I am receiving interest from Arizona State – they came by our school, Texas A&M, Georgia Tech, and USF (South Florida) are all showing interest.”

You’ve received a few offers already, how many offers do you have now?

“I have seven: Florida Atlantic, Jacksonville, Bethune Cookman, Tennessee-Martin, Rhode Island, and Indiana State.”

Do you have any planned visits upcoming?

“I am planning on visiting Tennessee Tech, Tennessee, Georgia State, Georgia Southern, and there are a few more but I’m not sure which ones right now.”

Do you have any planned camps on the schedule?

“The 31st through 7th of June, I will be attending camps at Mercer, Middle Tennessee, and one other I cannot think of right now.”

How is everything going in the classroom?

“Great. I have a 3.5 GPA.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“Math; I want to be an engineer.”

Is there a goal you have set for yourself before you begin your senior year on the field?

“I am focusing on my body. My goal is to get bigger. Right now, I am undersized with my weight. I want to be more violent and aggressive on the field next season. Getting bigger and stronger will help with that.”

Seth, I appreciate your time today and good luck with the upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: twitter.com; No. 10 Seth Coleman