Interview: 4-Star 2019 RB Sean Dollars Talks Football and Mater Dei’s Early Season Success
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
To say that Mater Dei High School is a national “Juggernaut” in the football universe, still might not be doing the team justice. The Monarchs were truly unstoppable in 2017 running their record to 15-0 picking up a California state title and a national championship along the way. The Orange County based team is once again one of the top teams in the nation thanks to guys like 2019 running back Sean Dollars.
Dollars is that all-purpose back that can make any defense look silly in a heartbeat. The 5-10, 190-pound, standout worked his way to four-star recruiting status in 2016-17 with Rancho Cucamonga High School ending his junior season with 919 rush yards off 134 carries with 16 scores and hauled in 12 passes for 184 yards with another touchdown going up on the board in 12 games. In the offseason, Dollars transferred to Mater Dei bolstering a roster ready to go back-to-back on the state and national level. Season stats for the first two games have not been posted, but Dollars had 119 yards off eight carries with three touchdowns in the first game of the season against Bishop Amat in a 42-14 on the field win and rocked national powerhouse Bishop Gorman in Week 2 with three scores, two pass receptions and one 55-yard touchdown run in a 42-0 win.
The work put in by Dollars has helped the Monarchs hold their preseason No. 3 national ranking, No. 2 in California, with an opportunity to rightfully claim the No. 2 and then the No. 1 spot from Florida’s IMG Academy (Sept. 21) and St. John Bosco (Oct. 12), respectfully, before the regular season ends. The explosive speed and myriad of ways Dollars can make plays will keep college coaches drooling, but this four-star running back is firmly committed to the Oregon Ducks (May 20, 2018).
In a Recruiting News Guru catch-up interview, I sat down with Dollars after Mater Dei’s nationally televised win over the Gaels for his thoughts on the game with details on how his personal overall game has improved from last season.
Interview
Sean, over the offseason, which parts of your game did you work on before entering your senior season?
“I worked on pass blocking a lot. At Mater Dei, that is important. I worked on my top end speed as well. I have breakaway speed, but I wanted that top end speed too.”
If you will, take me inside fall camp with the Monarchs, what was that like day to day?
“You are going against some of the top people in the country every day; it is not an easy day. You have to be strong mentally just as much if not more than physically. You have to practice hard every day with coach Rollo (Bruce Rollinson).”
You had an outstanding opening game against Bishop Amat rushing eight times for 119 yards with three touchdowns, where are you seeing the biggest improvement in your overall game early in the season?
“I am seeing the improvement mostly with my vision. I am seeing that improve which is helping my back door cuts and helping me follow my offensive linemen.”
You guys flexed your collective muscles in Las Vegas on Friday beating then- No. 33 nationally ranked Bishop Gorman 42-0. I know you guys are talented, but did the outcome of the game shock you at all?
“Yeah. It did. We thought they were going to come harder. We held it down, did what we had to do.”
I know you had a 49-yard pass reception for a touchdown out of the slot against the Gaels, what were some of the other highlights of the game for you? 76-yard TD pass reception
“Yeah, those were two big catches and I had a 55-yard run to top off the game. That was a big highlight of my night.”
You guys go on the road for La Mirada next week then face St. Mary’s at home before hosting IMG Academy, is the showdown against the No. 3 nationally ranked Ascenders a game already on your radar?
“Oh yeah. These next two games, we take it week by week, but we are geared up for IMG. We have a bye before IMG to practice and to get ready for the big game.”
What are your personal goals for the season?
“This year, I want to have fun and enjoy playing with my team. This is my last year of playing high school football. I want to get the job done and get the ring.”
On May 20, you committed to Oregon, are you going up to Eugene anytime this fall for a visit?
“Oh yeah. I have one more unofficial I plan on taking and then I will do my official.”
When you go up there, what type of visit are seeking to have; getting to know the players and coaches better and/or familiarizing yourself with the campus?
“The fun and games with recruiting are over. I know the staff, the relationship is there with them. I look to have a good time with the staff, familiarize myself with the school and the facilities, and chop it up with the team.”
The Ducks recruiting class is soaring with a lot of talent, are you helping draw fellow players to the haul?
“Oh yeah. I need DJ Uiagalelei (5-star 2020 QB) from Bosco. I want him. He is No. 1 on my radar.”
Sean, always great catching up with you. I appreciate your time today and congratulations on the big win against Bishop Gorman.
“Thank you.”
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