UConn Huskies TE Sean McQuillan runs after making a catch against the South Florida Bulls on October 11, 2013 at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, CT.
Let’s take a look at the UConn Huskies tight ends for a moment. We have the following players at the position:
- Sean McQuillan – redshirt junior
- Nicholas Lensander – redshirt sophomore
- Tommy Myers – redshirt freshman
- Sheridan Lawley – freshman
- Steve Hashemi – freshman
- Alec Bloom – freshman
Now let’s take a look at how many games they’ve played.
I’ll make it simple.
McQuillan is the only one who has any college game experience. In his two seasons, he’s played 12 games (three in 2012 and nine in 2013).
So it’s safe to say despite holding down the starting tight end spot for only one season that the Glastonbury, CT native is the elder statesman of the group. By default, that should make him the leader of the group.
McQuillan didn’t have to step up and lead but he has and embraced it. And according to his head coach, Bob Diaco, it’s come naturally.
“If he doesn’t like what he sees out there, he’s got more a visceral response to it where he’s not looking around thinking ‘I should be leading right now.'” said Diaco. “This is more reactionary. It’s getting more engrained in him to lead and communicate.”
“I’m just trying to be a leader and do the right things each and every day.” McQuillan said. “Be someone that the younger guys in the group, and even the team can look up to.”
“They want to follow and do the things that I’m doing. I want to be a leader.”
Not only does McQuillan want to be a leader for the guys at his position but he wants to show the entire team he can be one as well.
“Coach always talks about third down,’ said McQuillan. “I want to be a guy that we can look to in those situations.”
“I’m a lot more confident, I feel good. If i can be a leader for this team that’s all I’m trying to do.”
When asked, he was quick to offer up advice for his fellow young tight ends who should see action in Friday night’s game versus BYU.
He may not be a captain this year but it wouldn’t surprise me if he is one in 2015.
But for now, let’s keep the focus on 2014 and seeing what McQuillan and the rest of his young guns at tight end can do.
photo credit: ian bethune – sox & dawgs
