FIU, UCF interested in multi-sport star O'Neill

Related Content Broward No. 17 Recruit | Conor O'Neil LARRY BLUSTEIN'S COMMENTS: While many remember his return for a touchdown on a kickoff in the 5A state championship win over Kissimmee Osceola, some are not aware of the fact that this former receiver/tight end was among the top tacklers for the Raiders. Also a tremendous baseball prospect. Schools from Auburn and UCF to FAU and FIU are impressed by this athlete.

Conor O'Neill is a defensive menace for St. Thomas Aquinas, regardless of the sport.

``Two outs, runner on third base, single to left and the runner from third was fried at home plate, recalled James White, who plays both football and baseball for the Raiders. ``Conor came charging in and swoop, he got a rope to home. The runner didn't have a chance and we ended up winning the game.''

Most offensive players -- in either baseball or football -- haven't had much of a chance lately against O'Neill who doubles as a linebacker and left fielder for St. Thomas' football and baseball teams, respectively.

On the diamond, O'Neill is one-third of an all-football outfield for the Raiders. White is the center fielder and fellow running back Giovanni Bernard plays right field.

On the gridiron, O'Neill is the Raiders' brainy and brawny middle linebacker that just about did a little of everything last season during St. Thomas's run to the Class 5A state championship.

BIG TACKLER

Besides being second on the team in tackles, O'Neill returned a fumble and interception for touchdowns, returned a kickoff 73 yards for a touchdown in the state final against Kissimmee Osceola and led the Raiders defense in tackles for loss and sacks.

''He's a football player,'' said St. Thomas coach George Smith, when asked what stands out most about O'Neill. ``Conor is a prototype football player. He's an athlete, very intelligent, he runs around real well and he's fearless.''

Because ''he runs around real well,'' O'Neill did not begin his football career on defense. Instead he was a receiver/tight end as a sophomore, but Smith was intrigued by what O'Neill could do on defense.

''This kid has got to play, let's see what he can do,'' recalled Smith of a conversation he had with his assistants two years ago. ``We ended up moving him to outside linebacker that spring. He had a great season for us.''

Despite having a strong first season on defense, the transition wasn't easy at first for O'Neill

''It was a little rough because you're catching balls and getting away from being hit,'' O'Neill said. ``But then I was giving the punishment. After the first week, I picked it up and I started loving it. It was rough getting used to the plays. The whole defensive mindset where I had to get used to reading the offenses instead of adjusting to what the defenses were giving.''

The 6-1, 200-pound O'Neill has been thriving attacking offenses ever since.

Last season, he had 67 tackles (56 solo), 16 tackles for loss that totaled 104 yards, and seven sacks. All of which has schools such as Florida International, Auburn, Central Florida and Florida Atlantic knocking on O'Neill's door.

A TOP PROSPECT

Said Miami Herald recruiting analyst Larry Blustein: ``While many remember his return for a touchdown on a kickoff in the 5A state championship win over Kissimmee Osceola, some are not aware of the fact that this former receiver/tight end was among the top tacklers for the Raiders. Also a tremendous baseball prospect.''

One factor that could determine where O'Neill goes to college is the ability to play both football and baseball.

O'Neill, a big fan of multi-sport athletes Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders, plans on getting a scholarship for football and then trying to walk-on for baseball. He ''definitely'' would like to play both sports at the Division I level.

''I love both sports,'' O'Neill said. ``It's a blessing that I've been given to play both sports.

O'Neill started playing baseball when he was 6 and began football in eighth grade.

Like football, O'Neill also made a position switch in baseball starting at catcher then moving to the outfield and third base last baseball season. He sees himself as an outfielder in college.

Whether it's football or baseball, positions don't mean much when it comes to O'Neill. He just has to be on the field.

''I've known Conor since fifth grade,'' Bernard said. ``I knew he was always going to be a good football player, but he stands out at baseball too. He's got a crazy arm, it's amazing. You put him anywhere on the field and he'll make plays. Doesn't matter what field we're talking about.''