The University of California filled a big void in the backfield today as they received a verbal commitment from College of the Canyons fullback Sean Quinn after a scholarship offer was extended. Quinn will step into big shoes with the departure of reliable starter Will Ta'ufo'ou after this season.
"I talked to Coach Gould a little while ago and he let me know they have a scholarship for me," said Quinn.
"I'm about to go on a cruise as we speak and I won't be back for seven days so they're going to send me all the paperwork to be ready for me when I back so we can move forward and I can get in there for spring semester and spring camp.
Quinn led the Cougars to an undefeated record heading into the Southern California championship game before falling 51-44 behind two last-minute Mt. SAC touchdowns, finishing the year with an outstanding 12-1 record.
Quinn led a powerful COC running attack and averaged over 6 yards per carry in limited run duty with 13 carries for 86 yards and 4 touchdowns to go along with his punishing blocking.
"Sean's your prototypical fullback at 6-0/240," said College of the Canyons Offensive Coordinator Don Fellows. "He's a really intelligent back. We were able to use him pulling, in a traditional I set, in isos on linebackers -we used him all kinds of ways. He's as good a fullback as we've ever had here. He's really thrived here. He's a 4.6 or so forty guy so he can move, which is important with quick running backs."
"Our starting tailback was the top running back in the conference and he averaged over seven yards a carry and ran for more than 1700 yards, so I take pride in being a part of that," said Quinn. "We had a record 315 yards rushing in our last game, too."
"We're excited for Sean," said Robert Dos Remedios, strength and conditioning coach for College of the Canyons.
"Physically, he's the strongest kid across the board. He's just a machine. He reminds me a lot of (former COC and Cal star running back) J.J. Arrington with the way he works.
"He actually came in as a greyshirt and had to work his way into things with us," said Dos Remedios. "He really stepped up to the challenge. We really don't have a fullback in our offense. That's why you don't see big stats for him. But he's a tremendous blocker and player. He's kind of made himself into a physical specimin. He pretty much just beats up on people out there.
As far as character and leadership, two traits highly value by the Cal staff, Quinn fills the bill.
"He's awesome. He's a 'Yes sir, no sir,' kid," said Dos Remedios. "I don't think the kid's missed a day in the weight room or a day on the practice field in the two years he's played for us. I just can't say enough about his character. I've been having discussions with Coach Gould over the past few week, asking me about his character and his ability to pick things up on the run. He's a total student of the game and has an incredible future ahead of him. As far as character goes, he's pretty much what you'd want your son to grow up to be."
Initially, as is their usual game plan, the Bears asked Quinn to come in as a walk-on and battle it out for the starting nod and a scholarship but when Quinn made clear the value and importance of receiving a scholarship to him and his family, the Cal staff decided to pull the trigger and extend an offer.
"I know they had a real need at the fullback spot this year and I'm confident that he can come in and make a big impact like JJ did, especially at fullback since he's such an unbelievable blocker -and he's never even really been taught how to block. Coach Gould does such a great job with those guys -teaching them the system and teaching them the technical aspects of blocking and what they saw on his highlight tape was this kid running around just blocking kids on instinct and blowing people up. Once this guy really learns how to block, he's going to be a monster. He's got great hands, runs the ball well and is a great athlete. Plus, they'll get him there in the spring, get him in the system and get him ready to go."
"It's a dream come true for me," said Quinn. "It's something I've worked really hard for and I feel like I've earned it so it showed me good things can happen if you work hard. I'm excited to be a Cal Bear and I can't wait to show them what I've got.
"I really didn't think I was going to play football after high school and to actually get this opportunity, especially in the Pac 10 -it's amazing. No words can explain how I feel right now. It's a great feeling and I'm ready to celebrate and get back to work as son as I get back.
