Interview: 2023 Pennsylvania QB Colin O’Sullivan Talks Football and Camp Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The 2020 high school football season in Pennsylvania was a sprint to the finish line after a lengthy offseason of unknowns. Those that prepared during the time of uncertainty taking their craft seriously jumped out of the gate putting it on the opposition. One such player who prepared not only for the 2020 season but for longevity in the game was Class of 2023 quarterback Colin O’Sullivan. O’Sullivan’s hard work paid off in the stat sheet and win column.
O’Sullivan had a warmup season in 2019 taking on 5A competition as a freshman throwing for 1,444 yards with 13 touchdowns playing with Hatboro-Horsham. In 2020, the 6-0, 175-pound, QB was slinging the pigskin around with Upper Dublin leading the Cardinals to a district championship (6-2). In the big game, O’Sullivan rose to the challenge completing 20 of 26 passes for 229 yards with one score. On his way to a 602-yard season in the pocket, his Cardinals’ squad made it to the final four of the 5A playoffs.
With two more seasons to continue pushing his talents forward, college coaches are already watching his progress. Teams spanning the FCS, Ivy and Patriot League schools are showing interest.
For an update on his sophomore campaign with a look inside his offseason works and upcoming camp, O’Sullivan stopped by the RNG Lab for another one-on-one.
*Click the link for Colin O’Sullivan’s Oct. 2020 RNG interview
Interview
Colin, we last connected in the middle of the 2020 season. Going against 5A Pennsylvania competition, how did the season go for you overall?
We played some good teams. We got off to a slow start after no offseason workouts or 7v7 because of Covid. But we played for our district championship and made it to the final four in the playoffs.
Nice. Running the Cardinals’ Spread attack, which parts of your skillset grew the most?
As the season went on, I got more into the offseason. I was allowed to call some of my own plays. Towards the end of the season we were clicking. I started doing better and we were looking sharp.
In which game did you turn in your best performance?
Definitely in the district championship. I threw for 230 yards with one touchdown on 20 of 26 passing.
At the midway point you were seeing a lot of Cover 4, what were some of the other defenses you were seeing last season?
As we went on, a lot of defenses were keeping stuff in front of them. Later in the season they started running man. That is when we were able to go over the top of defenses.
Going into the offseason, what are you working on with your mechanics?
Right now, I am working on my footwork, getting ready for combines, working on my speed, and my arm strength. I am getting bigger and faster for next season.
Keeping on that, how are you pushing your athleticism forward?
Every Sunday I practice with my 7v7 team; we have some great coaches that also push our speed and agility while working on my throwing mechanics. I am getting back into lifting after basketball and doing speed training with my coaches.
How did the basketball season go for you and the team?
There were no offseason workouts. I had not picked up a ball until try outs. We won our first district playoff game for 6A basketball. I scored 25 points and hit five threes.
You said you are playing 7v7 this winter and spring, with which team?
Prep 7.
Have you guys started playing in tournaments?
No, we are still working out and getting ready. Our first tournament is on March 27.
Where is the tournament?
We are going to New Jersey.
A few minutes ago, you mentioned getting ready for camps and combines, which camps and combines are you looking at?
I am looking at a couple of college camps like Penn State, Villanova, Penn, Brown, and Monmouth.
Colin, it was great catching up with you today. Wishing you success with your 7v7 season and your camp/combine circuit.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: O’Sullivan family; Colin O’Sullivan