| Name: |
Sean Smalls |
| Position: |
CB |
| Height: |
6'1" |
| Weight: |
185 pounds |
| 40 Speed: |
4.45 seconds |
| Hometown/School: |
Richmond, Va. (Huguenot HS) |
It seems that just about every year, Coach Richard McFee's Huguenot HS
(Richmond, Va.) team has at least one player with major college
talent. This season he has two, Penn State commitment Kevin Cousins and uncommitted defensive back Sean Smalls. Coach McFee
recently took his squad to the Southeastern Select 7-on-7 Tournament at
Hoover HS in Hoover, Al., in an effort to get his players ready for the
upcoming season and more exposure to potential college suitors.
When LionNews caught up to McFee, he and his team where just arriving
back at their hotel in Birmingham for the night. During the
tournament, Huguenot had the opportunity to challenge other big time
high schools like Evangel Christian HS from Shreveport, La.; Monsignor
Pace HS in Miami; Scottland County HS in Laurinburg, Nc.; and Thomas
Jefferson HS from Pittsburgh. Before his squad went to Alabama,
many of his players attended summer camp at Penn State in June.
With such a busy travel schedule, will Coach McFee be rested enough
when football practice starts next month?
"Oh yes I will," laughed McFee. "We do this every year. I
take my kids so they can be seen. You can't get great offers if
people don't see you."
Although
his one scholarship athlete, Penn State verbal Kevin Cousins did not
attend the tournament, defensive back Sean Smalls exhibited the ability
that has garnered him claimed offers from UCLA, Arizona State, Virginia Tech, Virginia, Ohio State, Michigan, Maryland, North Carolina, and
Florida State, while having Nebraska craving to see more film.
During the games, Sean had three interceptions against some top flight
competition.
Last month it was rumored that Penn State may be nearing on a
commitment from Sean, which could have happened after a phone call to
Nittany Lion head coach Joe Paterno. Did that call ever take
place?
"No he didn't because what happened was Joe went out of town and they
didn't get an opportunity to speak. So he's going to talk with
Coach when we get back from this trip," explained Coach McFee, who
added that Sean received Penn State's written offer in the mail.
Does Penn State still lead for Sean like his teammate Kevin, who
everyone has backed off since he committed to the Nittany Lions?
"I think his interest [in them] is very much. I think once he
sits and
talks to Coach Paterno that he may try to end up going there but right
now, he's leaning more so elsewhere."
"We've had three kids from my school play there since I've been the
head coach, including my son (Marcus). Then with Kevin committing
there, all that funk plays a part in it too, probably," said Coach
McFee, continuing, "I'll be honest with you. I think if
didn't have to go out of town the last time, he probably would have
committed to him when they talked."
Sean had to call Joe Paterno because NCAA regulations that coaches
cannot call prospective recruits until August.
Coach McFee admitted that he believed Sean may be leaning to a school
other than Penn State. Which schools leads for the 6'1'', 190
pound corner back?
"It's probably between Ohio State, Penn State, and Maryland," said
Sean, who also likes UCLA. "They're up in the bunch, probably
fourth."
Has a favorite emerged from the bunch?
"Probably Ohio State," confessed Smalls, who says he like the Buckeyes
program and the schemes they run -- a trait they share with Penn
State. Sean attended a one day camp at Ohio State, the day before
he arrived at Penn State camp.
Along with Penn State and Ohio State, Sean also attended a junior day
at Maryland in the beginning of June.
While the Nittany Lions do not sit in the catbird seat with Smalls, it
seems like they could overtake the Buckeyes lead. Do Kevin and
Sean ever talk about attending the same college?
"Yeah we talked about it," acknowledged Sean, who will not take anymore
unofficial visits.
A corner back or free safety on the next level, Sean is being recruited
by Penn State assistant coaches Brian Norwood, Tom Bradley, and Bill
Kenney.
Smalls hopes to still be able to call Joe Paterno sometime before the
month is over. Is it the same time frame in which he expects to
have his decision made.
"Probably before the season starts," said Sean, whose first game on the
calender kicks off on September 10th.
Penn State and Ohio State fans should know soon which one will be
getting this talented athlete to help bolster their secondary.
(Interview by Steve Curry)
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