9/7/2004 - Football
Sealey Stepping Into Big Shoes Just Fine

????Nothing hurts worse than watching your teammates play
and you can't do anything to participate because your
hurt.
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????For Frederick Douglass product Reggie Sealey, his
Navy career got off to a late start because of
nagging injuries. Now healthy, he was a dynamite force
in a week one, 27-12, win over Duke.
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????Couple the injuries with the fact he was playing
behind former defensive Captain Eddie Carthan, Sealey
didn't mope, he went into ?sponge mode, soaking up as
much knowledge as he could while he watched.
?????Before the first game I called now ?Coach? Carthan
since he is coaching at the (Naval Academy) Prep
School. I said this is my first collegiate start do
you have any tips for me and he just told me to go
full speed and be open-eyes and be ready for
anything., and last year I sat behind him and learned
as much as I could,'' Sealey said.
????Saturday night, Sealey, looked like a poor man's
Lawrence Taylor crashing in from the outside down the
line to make one sack and another tackle for a loss
behind the line of scrimmage.
?????We're real excited about what Reggie Sealey can
bring to the field. He has some great skills and plays
hard and we look forward to big things from him,''
Defensive Coordinator Buddy Green said.
????Sealey, at 6-0 and 230 pounds, played in one of the
best Public School League's in Prince Georges County,
Maryland. On the same team in high school was none
other than ALL-ACC performer Shawne Merrimen of
Maryland.
?????That was a lot of fun in high school. We won a state
championship but nothing like that compares to how
fast the game is at this level,'' Sealey said.
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????Sealey has endured injuries to his right and left
shoulders, a surgery, and a hamstring pull. More
importantly, he keeps coming back for more.
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?????I just kept praying on it and the coaches have been
so supportive always encouraging me to keep working in
the weight room and in practice and be ready for my
chance this year,'' Sealey said.
????If game one is any indication, it figures to be a big
year for Sealey and his defensive teammates.
?????Our offense is as solid as it gets. It's the defense
that needs to take a leadership role and make plays
like we did the other night. We have to perform
consistently with the effort we gave. Our coaches do a
great job of preparation, we need to go out and
execute,'' Sealey said.
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