Nov. 1, 2007
– Senior John Sullivan is a former walk-on kicker who has made huge strides in his development since arriving at UNM. Sullivan suffered what many thought was a career-ending torn ACL in his left plant leg midway through the 2007 spring season in late April, but has made a stunning recovery without surgery. He wears a brace to stabilize the injured knee.
Sullivan had not kicked in a game since high school (2002) prior to the `07 season opener, but trained the past three years at UNM with two first team all-MWC kickers in Kenny Byrd (2005-06) and Wes Zunker (2004). Sullivan, who transferred to UNM from San Jose State in the spring of 2004, was put on scholarship in August of `07.
The Tehachapi, Calif. product has turned in an incredible debut season in `07, helping the Lobos rank second in the Mountain West in scoring offense. After a 1-3 start to his career, he hit a school record 18 consecutive field goals before finally missing his fifth and final attempt two weeks ago vs. Air Force.
Though eight games Sullivan was tied for the national lead with 19 field goals on 22 attempts, which was already tied for second on the UNM single-season list and just two shy of the school record. He tops the league (16th nationally), averaging 9.9 points/game (79 total), and his 86.4 percent conversion rate is second in the league. Sullivan, who was a perfect 5-5 on field goals of 40-plus yards through eight games, has earned MWC Special Teams Player of the Week honors three times this fall.
D.J. Renteria: Did you have a role model or someone who providedguidance and support growing up?
John Sullivan: I would have to say my father was a great role modelfor me growing up. He went through a lot of hard times and strived todo better, and is where he is today beacuse of hard work anddetermination.
DR: What do you feel is the biggest misconception about kickers?
JS: I would say athleticism. There are plenty of misconceptions, butthat is the biggest one. We are very athletic in what we do and a lotof people don’t know that.
DR: If you had to play any other position what would you play?
JS: I would play quarterback. I would kind of like to be the star of the team which QBs usually are.
DR: What is the best thing about being a senior?
JS: I would have to say coaches respect you a whole lot more then when you first arrived.
DR: If you are stranded on a deserted island what two things do youhave to have with you?
JS: I would say my girlfriend and my X-Box. I would be able tosurvive with those two things.
DR: Who would you pick between Jennifer Lopez and Angelina Jolie?
JS: Angelina Jolie, without a doubt! She is the most beautiful person on the face of the earth and she plays in some really rugged movies.
DR: Any hidden talents?
JS: I am a pretty good musician. I played the saxophone for eight years andwas pretty good at it.