Bishop's player follows uncle

Sep 3, 2008
By Gregory Ball - La Jolla Light

LB Micah Seau is nephew of former Chargers star Junior Seau

Like most kids growing up in and around San Diego, Micah Seau spent his childhood years following the Chargers and idolizing many of their star players. The only difference for Seau was that he spent his holidays with one of those stars.

Seau is a nephew of Junior Seau, the former Chargers great who played linebacker in San Diego for 12 years, becoming a local icon and a likely Pro Football Hall of Famer along the way. Micah Seau, a sophomore linebacker at The Bishop's School, is following in his footsteps, one could say.

"It's obvious he's played the game of football for a long time," Bishop's coach Mike David said. "He came into our program with a knowledge of the game that most freshmen don't have. And that only adds to his size, strength and speed."

Micah Seau couldn't be reached for comment.

Watching the younger Seau play, it is clear that he has inherited some of his uncle's skills, passion and understanding of the game. At 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, he possesses the size necessary to be a standout middle linebacker. While David is cautious not to heap too many expectations on his sophomore star, it's hard not to envision Seau's future and see shadows of his famous uncle.

Last year, Seau made 15 solo tackles and assisted on 41, while adding three sacks. He helped anchor a Bishop's defense that allowed just 10 points per game and surrendered a touchdown or less in eight of its 12 games. His efforts helped steer the Knights to a CIF San Diego Section Division V championship and a perfect 12-0 season.

"He's the first freshman I've ever had that started on the varsity level, in my 20 years of coaching," David said. "His size and speed are outstanding, and he has great football instincts.

"He's all over the field making plays. He reads well and follows his assignments."

Junior Seau was a 12-time Pro Bowler and a six-time All-Pro in his 12 seasons with the Chargers, and won an AFC championship ring with the Patriots last season.

Micah Seau may or may not have that kind of career ahead of him, but for now, he's a very good high school linebacker who has the potential to be excellent at his position. David said he brings to the field the kind of intensity and leadership that is almost unheard of for such a young player.

"He gets very excited after a great play - he plays with very positive emotions," David said. "A middle linebacker has to be a leader - it's just part of the game.


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