Sullivan earns his stripes and playing time at San Jose State
University
San Jose – It was hard to decide who was more excited during San Jose State’s 44-10 win over Louisiana Tech last week – David Sullivan or other Spartans’ defensive backs.
Sullivan had taken some playing time away from other defenders when he was inserted into the one-sided game. And yet, it may have been the most popular move in the game when cornerbacks coach Keith Burns called Sullivan’s number.
“It was pretty amazing,” Sullivan said. “When I got out there, it was kind of surreal. It was, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m really doing this.’ Coach told me the day after something like he could have left the second or third team in there, but that it was going to mean more to me.”
How prophetic on Burns’ part. In one sense, it was the end and beginning of an incredible journey for the 5-9, 165-pound Sullivan whose parents reside in Gilroy. It was likely the only action he will see during what figures to be a redshirt season. And yet, even as a member of the scout team Sullivan is living his dream.
It began 2001 when Sullivan graduated from Valley Christian and enrolled at San Jose State. He walked onto the football team. Things didn’t work out during a coaching change and Sullivan wound up dropping out of college and joining the Marines. But this wasn’t joining the Marines merely to shuffle papers or remain in the background.
No, Sullivan was determined to to be on the front lines. His role model was the late Pat Tillman, who left the Arizona Cardinals to join the Army Rangers in 2002. Sullivan served two tours of duty in Iraq and returned to San Jose.
“I could have played junior college (after getting out of the Marines), but I wanted to play Division I,” Sullivan, 24, said. “I guess I’ve always been kind of an extremist. It’s like when I went into the military. The whole reason I signed up wasn’t just to go into the military. It was to fight on the front lines.”
It was the same when he came back for his second tour of duty with San Jose State. He was a more mature individual, but he wasn’t in football shape. And besides, he hadn’t grown any physically.
“I’m not the best player out there,” said Sullivan, a psychology major. “I’m not the fastest guy out there. I like to play. My first goal is to play on special teams. Then I’d like to play corner if I’m good enough. That’s what i working toward.”
“He was in for three plays,” SJSU head coach Dick Tomey said of the game against Louisiana tech. “It was a big deal for all of us. He gives guys a greater sense of perspective of life and the world.
“He’s talked to the guys about his experiences. They (other players) look at him and realize he’s done something many are not sure they could do and certainly will not be called on to do.”
Sullivan appreciates his teammates and they appreciate him. It’s not like 30, 35 years ago when veterans would return from Vietnam and be treated with disdain. His teammates look up to Sullivan, whether they believe in what he did or not.
“His locker is right across from mine,” senior receiver Chester Coleman said. “He’s a good guy. Players like to refer to themselves as soldiers, but he’s a real soldier. He got up in front of the team and explained what it’s like to be out there, about the psychological effects.
“He lost a close friend in the war. The next day he was back on the job. You had a lot of guys asking (him) questions. The guys were into what he was saying. War is a life or death situation. He’s got a big heart for a guy so small. You see him on the kickoff return team (in practice) when he goes into the wedge, bounces right up with a smile and does it again.”
No life or death situation here. Sullivan is an engaging individual who talks easily about his experiences. Those he prefers to talk about today deal with football. And he is seizing the moment.
“When I got the call (to go in the game), all the cornerbacks were hooting and hollering,” Sullivan said. “They were pretty excited that I got in there. It made me feel really good, that they supported me.
“Dominique Hunsucker was in there at the same time. It was pretty cool that two Valley guys were in the defensive backfield together. And Justin Willis was at defensive tackle, so there were three of us on the field at the same time.”
Not bad for a guy who admittedly wasn’t even planning to suit up for the game. He doesn’t know what the future holds. But he knows that he has already fought and won more battles than almost anyone he will ever practice with or play against.
“I came in here (the first time) with high expectations, and it didn’t work out,” Sullivan said. “I realize now that it’s a process, and I am enjoying it. Once a day out there, I give thanks for being able to go out and have the ability to play.
“I had other opportunities coming out of high school and when I got out of the service. But I wanted to play close to home, I wanted to be near my nephew who was born when I was out of the country, and I wanted to play close to home. San Jose State worked out perfect for me.”
This second tour of duty is a real tour de force.
