Permian’s Cooper Sheehan is getting attention from multiple Division I programs because of his play on the offensive line.
The right tackle has offers from Air Force and Army, and he has been in talks with multiple programs within the state.
He was also offered by UTPB in the Division II ranks in February.
Throughout his senior season, Sheehan wants to show colleges why they should take a chance on him to bookend their offensive attacks.
Before he shifts his attention to the college game, Sheehan wants to help the Permian football team achieve the highest level of success possible in his final run with the program.
The competition the Panthers have faced in nondistrict play is helping motivate the right tackle to continue using his size and speed to his advantage.
Measuring 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds, Sheehan runs a 4.89 40-yard dash.
He used those factors in last week’s 40-21 loss to Amarillo Tascosa, holding up in pass protection and run blocking against players like Avion Carter, a four-star recruit in the class of 2023.
Permian head coach Jeff Ellison said Sheehan has gotten a lot more confident early in his senior campaign after spending parts of the offseason playing for the Permian baseball team.
Once he got back to playing football, he quickly regained a feel for the game.
“He was able to be successful in both, did a great job in baseball and he came back out in the summer to get back in the football feel of it,” Ellison said. “The biggest thing I’ve seen from him is his overall confidence as a football player.”
Having played every position on the offensive line since third grade, Sheehan takes a cerebral approach when he mans the right tackle spot.
He doesn’t let playing against tough opponents get in his head, teaming up with right guard Harris Sewell to provide protection for their teammates in the backfield.
“I just go out there and do what I do best and rely on my strength and speed to do what I should be able to do,” Sheehan said. “That’s going against top defensive ends.
“I can handle them.”
Sheehan’s mentality and work ethic stood out so much to his teammates that they voted him a team captain before the 2021 season.
Ellison said it showed how much Sheehan has grown and how much respect his teammates have for him.
The head coach believes his player is well prepared to take on the challenges he’ll face throughout the season and when he moves on to the next level.
“He understands what he needs to improve on and his work ethic is going to help him,” Ellison said.
Sheehan said Ellison, a former offensive line coach, has taught him important lessons about his position.
“He’s taught me mostly everything I know, just to get ready for the season,” Sheehan said. “He’s taught me about the technique, coming off the ball and everything I need to know.”
Although Sheehan doesn’t know where he’ll continue his playing career, he knows he wants to prove his recruiters right.
Along with his offers, he was also put on a watch list over the summer for the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl to showcase his skills.
Sheehan and the Panthers will close out nondistrict play against Mesquite Poteet at 7 p.m. Friday at Ratliff Stadium.
“It makes me feel like I have all eyes on me to become a leader and show people why I have those offers,” Sheehan said.
>>Follow Chris Amaya on Twitter at @OA_CAmaya
