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Sayville's O'Connor wins Collotta Award

BY MARCUS HENRY | marcus.henry@newsday.com

December 4, 2007

As the only returning defensive starter for a Suffolk Division III championship team, Sayville linebacker Billy O'Connor was an easy choice to be the player Rob Hoss entrusted with running this year's defense.

O'Connor proved his coach made the right call as he was rewarded with the Collotta Award for Suffolk's top linebacker. "He's been our defensive leader the last four years," Hoss said. "All in-game adjustments were his responsibility. He's the type of kid that could get you three wins. And he had a greater burden this season being the only starter back."

O'Connor was a statistical monster in 2007, piling up 109 tackles, five sacks, four fumble recoveries, two interceptions and four forced fumbles. He was also a force on offense as a tight end with 29 catches for 569 yards and five touchdowns. O'Connor's exploits helped Sayville compile a 6-3 record and gain an appearance in the Suffolk Division III semifinal, where it fell, 34-28, to Long Island Class III champ Islip.

In addition to his defensive efforts in the game, O'Connor caught touchdown passes of 5 and 7 yards. "Billy was a three-win kid for us," Hoss said. "That's how good he is. With him on the team we were guaranteed at least three wins."

A starter since his freshman season, O'Connor has attracted interest from several Division I-AA schools, including Stony Brook. At 5-10, 223 pounds, Hoss acknowledged O'Connor's size could be an issue. "His size is something that sticks in the minds of the recruiters," Hoss said. "But he's never let it stop him. I've seen guys 6-3, 220 miss the ball."

O'Connor was named Division III defensive MVP by the Suffolk coaches and was named MVP of the Nassau/Suffolk III-IV all-star game. He was also a first-team, all-state performer, according to Hoss.

"He did everything for us," Hoss said. "He did everything except drive the bus."