Dec. 4, 2002

Senior Sean McCarthy is a long way from home. Hailing from Parma Heights, Ohio, the offensive lineman is approximately eight hours from his home in the suburbs of Cleveland. This was quite a distance for an incoming freshman who was even asked to change his position to tight end. New area, teammates, and even position, all to come and play ball at Villanova.

It didn't take McCarthy long to realize that the Main Line was his new home. Through the years he would grow as a player and college student. The Wildcat community and team would be his surrogate family. By now #71 is right at home. He lives for Villanova football and bleeds Wildcat blue and white. When asked about his feelings for Villanova, McCarthy explains that, "I love it, there were a lot of different places that I looked to choose from, and there is no where else I'd rather have gone."

The transition to tight end was relatively easy for the big athlete. Since blocking is such a large part of the position, McCarthy simply needed to adjust to the pass catching and route running.

"It's a lot of fun, you get the ball," said Sean about the new position.

That season he totaled one catch for 9 yards in a limited role as a freshman. Despite the joys of getting the ball, duty called returning him to the offensive line during his second playing season.

The offensive line is where McCarthy belongs. It is where he excels, where he provides gapping holes for Wildcat tailbacks, and passing lanes for Brett Gordon, the quarterback and friend of McCarthy. They are currently roommates, and the relationship provides added motivation and pressure for McCarthy to do his job right. "If I get him sacked, or don't open a hole all the way than he's gonna let me hear about it for a week."

In a game last year against Richmond, the 'Cats had to comeback from 16 down and threw the ball almost exclusively during the second half. For McCarthy this was one of his defining moments.

"We basically threw the ball the whole second half and Brett didn't get touched," recalled McCarthy. "As an offensive lineman that was an outstanding game for us."

There have been numerous outstanding games for McCarthy who is a large part of the Villanova success this year.

This season the Wildcats were predicted to finish sixth in the Atlantic 10. They have since quieted all doubters by climbing to twelfth in the national rankings. McCarthy is familiar with the winning ways of the 'Cats having seen the team go 26-15 (including this season) since his first season in '99.

To go along with the wins McCarthy was a vital part of the Atlantic 10 Co-Champion team of 2001. One ring on his finger is not enough. Sean feels that "it's great" to be in the position the Wildcats are in this season. McCarthy adds, "especially from last year, losing the last game to not win the title outright. It's great to have the chance to make up for that this year."

McCarthy is relatively new to the leadership role he plays this year. As a senior who anchors an offensive line that returns just two starters from a year ago, Sean never had to be a leader. In the past McCarthy would play and not worry about the other members of the line doing their jobs, primarily because they were involved in how he was doing.

"I didn't have to be a leader because everyone knows their role," comments Sean about that offensive line.

This year is different in that McCarthy is held responsible for the entire line. He is now the veteran role model, and the leader of this year's offensive line. That role is just fine with him. Other than a "little bit more pressure", McCarthy has taken his new status in stride allowing for Gordon to only be sacked 15 times this year and providing space for a running game that has already rushed for 1,014 yards.

McCarthy attributes his ability to guide the younger players to former 'Cat Stan Bennett. Bennett helped to mold Sean into the player he is today by being the leader of the Wildcat offensive line between 1997-2000.

"He (Stan Bennett) teaches you a lot as far as working hard and watching film," explains McCarthy of his mentor. "I had really gotten nothing out of watching film other than you had to do it."

Now it is McCarthy who is teaching and influencing the younger players. With Sean being the only senior on the inexperienced line he is the one providing the underclassmen with someone to model their game after. They couldn't ask for a better player to learn from. McCarthy plays tough, studies diligently, and is still calm and laid back in the things that he does.

McCarthy is home now. Cleveland is an afterthought in his mind somewhere behind classes, football, and his new relationship with the Main Line. This is good news for the Villanova community. It's just too bad we don't have him anchoring the line again next year because #71 Sean McCarthy is Villanova football.