Interview: 3-Star 2019 Florida DE Seth Coleman Talks Illinois Bond and Playoff Football
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Class of 2019 defensive end Seth Coleman has proven his three-star recruiting status and then some throughout the 2018 season. The 6-5, 210-pound, Holy Trinity Episcopal talent has been a blessing for the Tigers and anything but holy for opposing Florida offenses. With 81 tackles, 46 solo, 23 tackles for a loss, 15 QB hurries, two passes batted down, one fumble recovery, three forced fumbles, and one blocked kick through nine games on the stat sheet, the Tigers start playoff action on Friday taking on Cardinal Newman.
With a widely publicized commitment to Illinois on July 201, and an offer sheet at 24 and growing, I sat down with one of the Sunshine State’s best getting an update on his season with a playoff preview and insight to his growing relationship with the Fighting Illini coaching staff.
*Click link for May 30, 2018, RNG interview with Seth Coleman
Interview
Seth, your stat sheet suggests you made a lot of offensive linemen look really bad this season and you may have made a few quarterbacks cry. How did the season go for you in your own words?
(Laughs) “Yeah. It has been a great season. I have had a fun time. Everything I did this season was up to my expectations. I feel I could have gotten more sacks, but I am happy with how the season has gone.”
How many holding penalties did you draw against tackles this year?
Laughs. “Not many but they were holding a lot. Sometimes it was bad, other times it did not phase me.”
That was my next question. How many more should have been called?
Laughs. “A lot more than they called.”
Your speed off the snap looks even faster, what other areas of your game do you feel improved throughout your senior year?
“I have been working on using my hands more, learning better technique, and squeezing. Normally I just use my speed.”
You played with a hand down in the dirt and as a stand-up outside backer, which do you like playing better?
“It does not matter to me. But, my get off is better with my hand in the dirt.”
You are committed to Illinois, how do the Fighting Illini plan to use you within their system?
“I think they want me more as a defensive end with m hand in the dirt. They plan on putting weight on me once I get there.”
Do you know how much weight?
“I’m not sure yet. They will let me know.”
You announced your commitment to the Fighting Illini on July 29, what kind of relationship have you built with the staff since then?
“We have a strong relationship. We talk every day. We have fun, telling jokes. I am close to everyone on the staff.”
When do you take your official visit to Illinois?
“I am taking my official visit on my birthday weekend, Dec. 7.”
What do you plan on doing during your visit?
“It will be after their season, whatever they have scheduled, I am cool with.”
When was your last visit to Illinois?
“Two days before I committed.”
Your commitment status to Illinois has not stopped other teams from offering. How many offers do you have now?
“I have 24 offers.”
Without naming names, are teams other than Illinois still in regular contact with you?
“Yes. A bunch actually.”
Back to football. The Tigers picked up a 47-14 win over Trinity Christian on Friday, how did that game go for you?
“It went well. We had fun out there. It was a pretty easy game.”
The playoffs kickoff on Friday against Cardinal Newman (8-2), what kind of game are you expecting against the Crusaders?
“They are a heavy run team. It will be a good game.”
What kind of in-game match-up do you have with their linemen and running backs?
“Their running back is pretty good. For me going up against their line, I am good.”
The last hour before a game begins, what is Seth Coleman like?
“Usually I don’t listen to music. Normally I joke around but before the game I get serious. I’ll take a little nap before the game and get energized.”
Seth, great catching up with you today. Good luck on Friday in the playoffs.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Coleman family; Seth Coleman at Illinois