By Stephen Cooney
When Charles Sullivan a senior wide receiver for the Pride hauled in his third reception against New Hampshire he tied Steven Jackson’s all time receptions record of 206. With Sullivan’s fourth reception of the game he broke the record. With his ninth reception of the game he moved the record to 212 receptions. The record will not be set in stone until the end of the football season when Sullivan’s final stats are totaled.
“I didn’t know I was on path to break the record.” Sullivan said. “The record would have been better with a win but it is a great accomplishment.”
“What an unbelievable tribute to break the record.” Coach Dave Cohen Said. “With the great tradition this school has, what a complement to Charlie as a Hofstra football player.”
The tradition that Cohen was referring to was a great tradition of producing NFL receivers. The tradition includes Marques Colston (New Orleans Saints), Devale Ellis (Detroit Lions), and Wayne Chrebet (Former Jets receiver). Sullivan has placed himself among these NFL receivers in the history of Hofstra wide receivers.
Sullivan has not only placed himself in the history books but has asserted himself as a dominate receiver. Sullivan is averaging nine receptions a game through seven contests with 751 total yards and five touchdowns. Sullivan leads the team in receptions, yardage and receiving touchdowns. Sullivan is the number one receiving threat and is a dangerous receiver from anywhere on the field.
“Sullivan does it all, he is a complete receiver.” Cohen Said. “He is a dominating player.”
Cohen explained Sullivan as a receiver with great concentration and the ability to run great routes. Cohen also said that Sullivan is extremely quick footed, has great hand eye coordination and as extremely quick footed.
“Sullivan does his best work in tight spaces.” Cohen said. This would explain the team’s tendency to use Sullivan in the slot position.
“I have been working a lot out of the slot.” Sullivan said. “It creates a lot of chances to get miss matches with Linebackers and Safeties as opposed to corners.” This has helped Sullivan to haul in a large number of receptions per game and turn them into big gains and touchdowns. Sullivan and Cohen both contribute the success to Sullivan’s ability to run great routes and work in tight spaces.
“Good routes definitely get you open.” Sullivan said. “My route running is good but I can always get better. You will never be the best.”
Along with his own individual abilities Sullivan credited his quarterback and the rest of his receiving core as a major factor in his success. “Savage knows where I am going to be and I just get there.” Sullivan said.
“You can’t just focus on one person because we have a package where we can hit somebody else.” Sullivan said. “We will hit someone short or we can go over the top. There are a lot of receivers who can get the ball. We just work together.”
Pride wide receiver Charles Sullivan (Kyle Martel)