When you hear Highlands High School (Kent.), Joker Phillip’s latest commitment, Patrick Towles, comes to mind.
But the star quarterback isn’t the only great football recruit on his respective team; the guy needs someone to throw the ole pigskin to, right?
Austin Sheehan (Class of 2012, Highlands HS, Kent.) is the only returning receiver to Highlands, and he and his best friend (Towles) look to capture another state title in 2011.
Sheehan has a mixture of outstanding speed and route-running that helps him burn opposing secondary players. At 5’10”, it’s just what you expect from a receiver. He is an instant bomb of excitement waiting to explode.
“My best qualities are my speed, hands, and route-running,” Sheehan explained. At our recent football banquet, my wide receiver coach introduced me as the fastest player on the team.”
This isn’t the lone time Sheehan has been described as the cream of the crop in speed, and he considers it a valuable virtue.
At Kentucky’s summer camp last year, I ran a 4.57 40-time, which was one of the fastest 40s at the camp. I went to a trainer in March and he noticed I was starting my 40 with the wrong hand on the ground,” he said with laughs. “Now I am timed at 4.50 by him.”
To further improve that time, Sheehan also made the decision to run track this year. It’s all about improving for him right now.
He also acknowledges that he needs to improve his blocking abilities, especially with a balanced attack Highlands throws on the gridiron. “I’m a pretty good blocker, but every extra second counts when holding off the defensive back for a long run.”
Last season, Sheehan reeled in 29 catches for 668 total yards. He also was the kick returner and punt returner. While most will say those numbers aren’t flashy, the rising-senior knows colleges coaches are aware oh his team’s balanced style of play.
“The schools interested in me understand that a Highlands receiver isn’t going to put up 1500 yards receiving. It’s just the way our offense is based. They give me a lot of positive compliments on my highlight video, though (below).
“I respect all the schools that are interested in me, and, in turn, I want to visit them. It’s the right thing to do.”
Several low to mid-major programs are showing interest in Sheehan, but he has a couple of big SEC suitors that he is proud to say they are showing interest.
“I grew up and I still am a Kentucky fan. We usually always have season tickets and we go to games on Saturdays,” he said excitedly. “Last year, Kentucky invited me to Auburn game as a prospective athlete. I also went to one of their camps last summer.”
But Kentucky isn’t the only SEC school showing interest…
“Another SEC school that I have been getting a lot of mail from is Tennessee. They invited me to a camp this summer and I ma going to do my best to attend.”
While Sheehan knows Tennessee is a hated-rival and he has grown up shunning them, it’s time to show some interest. “I like the SEC. And they have shown me interest.”
Several programs requested Sheehan for their Junior Day, including Toledo, Ball State, Ohio, Tennessee, Kansas State, Princeton, Valparaiso, and Southern Illinois. He also has been invited to summer camps hosted by Louisville and Cincinnati.
While he admits there is no favorite yet, there is a team that sticks out to him: The Rockets of Toledo.
“I was really impressed by Toledo at their Junior Day. They have an awesome coaching staff and run hard, organized practices, just like at Highlands.
As if that didn’t make Sheehan already feel at home, when the Toledo coaches mentioned All-American receiver Eric Page, his interest lifted off for the Rockets.
“They told me I really fit the slot position for them, and that is the same position Eric Page plays.”
At 5’10,” 180 lbs., Page matches up quite well compared to Sheehan’s 5’10”, 160 lbs. frame.
“Toledo also beat some very good teams last year, including Purdue. They’re not steeping things down a notch, either,” he said impressed. “They will play Ohio State and Boise State this upcoming season.”
There is no favorite, but he definitely thinks he could contribute to the likes of Toledo.
Wofford and Butler have also recently made their way to Highlands High School to visit Sheehan.
He is yet to receive any offers, but given time, he believes it will come.
Despite having a balanced attack, he is the only receiver returning next season. The best friend-duo of Towles and Sheehan should be very impressive.
Check out some great highlights below, especially when Austin darts down the middle of the field on a post pattern.
[youtube_sc width=430 url=sZ1c6rQZIZc]
Follow Garrett Tucker on Twitter [URL=”https://twitter.com/GTuckersports”]@GTuckersports[/URL] for more info on recruiting.
