One of the most discussed topics in the college football recruitment world is the incredible pipeline of elite talent from the Philadelphia area. The SOL and the PCL are some of the most competitive leagues in the surrounding area, and arguably the entire country.

Over the upcoming weeks, I will be speaking to some of the top recruits from the area, but I’ll be starting this series off with someone I know quite well.

Upper Dublin has had a long-standing streak of dominance in PIAA competition, including three district championships in the last six seasons.

At the helm for the UD Cardinals is rising senior Colin O’Sullivan. I’ve known Colin for quite some time, having played under his dad, Dan, at Hatboro-Horsham High School. Coach O would bring Colin around to workouts when he was just in middle school, and you could tell from then this kid was something special. At only 13-years-old, he was clearly the best QB in the room, displaying phenomenal football IQ.

During their 2021 campaign, O’Sullivan threw for over 1,800 yards and 21 touchdowns at an impressive 71% clip over 11 games. The 6’0, 175 pound rising senior has spoken with Penn State and recently received his first offer from Cornell, with several more on the way.

“It’s a really exciting process to watch all the work you’ve put in pay off in the end when schools tell you they’re interested in you. When I got my first Division 1 offer from Cornell in January, that was an awesome feeling. I was able to go up to Penn State and West Virginia’s Junior Day, and it was really cool to put on that uniform you dreamed about wearing as a kid. I’ve also gotten a lot of interest from schools like Penn, Delaware, Lafayette, and Bucknell. It’s a really exciting process, and I can’t wait to see what’s to come of it.”

O’Sullivan is truly the smartest kid on the field at all times, and his decision-making exemplifies that. It’s scary to think it will only improve as he gets older.

“My biggest strength is probably my IQ or my accuracy. Growing up the son of a high school football coach, I’ve been around this game since I was four years old. All I know is football, and it’s given me an advantage over anyone I’ve played against. I’m able to dissect defenses and make the reads on time. After I make the reads, I feel like I can make any throw in any situation. I can put the ball wherever it needs to be on time.”

Most prospects would feel settled or content being skilled in this alone, but O’Sullivan strives to better his game day in and day out.

“I’m focusing on getting bigger, stronger, and faster. I’m always looking to improve accuracy and arm strength but just trying to become the most athletic version of myself is something I am looking forward to grinding on.”

Upper Dublin is a consistently dominant program, sitting atop the Suburban One conference almost every season. 2021 was no different, with the Cardinals finishing the season 8-3 after a heartbreaking loss to Plymouth Whitemarsh. That loss left a bitter taste in O’Sullivan’s mouth, and winning another district title is a necessity before he moves onto the next level.

“I want to win the state championship. Having to forfeit my sophomore year in the state final four was devastating. Then losing in Overtime in the district playoffs last year lit a fire under us to come out and do something no Upper Dublin team has ever done.”

It’s no doubt this drive is what makes O’Sullivan stand out from the rest, and that mindset will only fuel him to continue to dominate at the next level.

“If you’re taking me, you aren’t just getting a football player. You’re going to get a leader, a winner, and a competitor. I’ve started varsity in football and basketball since I was a freshman. I’m a competitor, and I love everything about competition. I don’t care if it’s a 2-minute drill in a playoff game or a game of spike ball on the beach; I need to win.“

I’ve won the district championship in football and the Suburban One League championship in basketball. Winning is what I do best. Lastly, you’re getting a leader. I hold myself and the people around me accountable because I know it’s needed if we want to win.”

Mandatory Credit: Upper Dublin