USF grad student Sean Atkins is nearing the end of the long road that is his college football career. The Viera-native started as a walk-on. He ran food at the Meat Market restaurant in Hyde Park to help pay the bills. Now, Atkins is on the verge of breaking multiple school records as a wide receiver.
Atkins addressed the team during training camp this preseason. He admits he got emotional when describing what it’s like going from the bottom of the football food chain to making history in the program.
“Football has been my sanctuary. That’s the place that I go whenever my head’s not right. I can come out here, and you’re just trying to perfect the play in front of you,” Atkins explained after practice. “This thing has really elevated myself and my life in an aspect that I never thought it would really happen. I was just trying to be vulnerable with them. Tell all those young guys, you’re going to have those dark days, but it’s always going to be worth it in the end.”
One of Atkins’ career turning points came prior to last season. First-year head coach Alex Golesh pulled him aside when he was working his way back from an injury.