As dark, ominous storm clouds rolled Monday evening into New Lenox, there was senior quarterback Collin Sheehan, casually zipping tight spirals across Providence’s field.
While Sheehan is ready to take over the role as the Celtics’ starter in the wake of Lucas Proudfoot’s graduation, he’s also quick to point out this isn’t just his moment.
It’s his offensive line’s time as well, most of whom are seniors.
“I don’t want to single myself out,” he said, as the rain started coming down in sheets outside. “I know they are giving everything they’ve got and they are protecting me.
“They are just so consistent. We have a connection.”
The feeling is beneficially mutual, and that should help propel a potent offense for Providence, which is No. 5 in the Daily Southtown’s preseason rankings.
Last year, the Celtics surged back onto the Southland’s radar, reaching the Class 4A state championship game. Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin won that one 44-20.
Senior offensive lineman Dan Mezger sees Sheehan making a difference.
“He respects us and we respect him,” Mezger said. “Obviously, the O-line is brothers, but it’s nothing without the guy throwing the ball, catching the snaps and handing the ball off.”
Still, stepping in for Proudfoot — who’s now at NCAA Division III powerhouse North Central College in Naperville — will be a tall task for the 6-foot-1, 180-pound Sheehan.
On Monday, Sheehan showed the ability to scamper from the pocket and make plays with his arm or legs. According to Providence coach Tyler Plantz, readiness won’t be an issue.
“He’s a guy who has stuck to it and really worked hard,” Plantz said of the right-handed Sheehan. “When you ask him to do something, he does it. He bought into the process.”
Proudfoot had a major impact on Sheehan in a number of ways.
For one, he counseled Sheehan on how to be as effective as possible in the weight room. But there’s another area that he was particularly helpful — Sheehan’s diet.
“I watched how he eats, really clean, and I try to do that now,” said Sheehan, who transferred to Providence from Lockport as a sophomore. “I think that’s one of the things that helps me the most. Eating well, sleeping and things to get your body comfortable.”
That includes plenty of protein like chicken and meat, but “I still do my carbs,” he quickly added with a laugh.
Last season was a whirlwind for Sheehan and the Celtics, who finished 5-4 in the regular season before a big playoff run that culminated at Illinois’ Memorial Stadium in Champaign.
It’s providing a ton of motivation for Providence.
“We didn’t get the result we wanted, which kind of dampens the experience,” Sheehan said. “But we hope to be back and win it this year.”
Not that it’s going to be easy, senior offensive lineman Matt Hough acknowledged.
“It’s going to take a lot of work to be able to get back,” Hough said. “I think we can do it again if we all believe in each other. That’s our thing … believe.”
Sheehan started playing football in third grade with the Manteno Wildcats youth program before playing in grade school with the Lockport Junior Porters.
In between, he went from defensive tackle to quarterback, and he’s been there behind center ever since. You might say he was destined for what’s coming.
But he also knows that a good portion of his responsibility is going to be leadership of the entire team — not just making plays.
“I just try to be myself,” he said of his leadership philosophy. “We’ve all been there. Everyone is hard on themselves, and you have to be the guy to pick them up.”
Quick Facts
Team: Providence.
2022 record: 9-5.
Offensive leaders: Christopher Piazza, senior, offensive line; James Barry, senior, offensive line; Jamari Tribett, senior, tailback; Kaden Nickel, senior, tailback.
Defensive leaders: Michael Sanfratello, senior, safety/linebacker; Byron Olson, senior, defensive line; Logan Valdez, senior, nose guard; Gavin Hagan, junior, cornerback.
X-factor: Tyler Cucio, junior, defensive end.
Gregg Voss is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
