By Thomas Sellers Jr.
Tipton-Rosemark Academy Rebel senior Sean O’Brien signed his national letter of intent to play football at Hendrix College in Conway, Ark.
O’Brien attracted the attention of the young Warrior program for his secondary play for the Rebels, helping TRA return to the playoffs in 2013. The signing of O’Brien is also the first for the Rebel Football program for the first time in several years.
Joining O’Brien at his signing ceremony in the TRA Lobby were Rebel Head Coach Dodd Gengenbach, his mother Sherrie, brother/teammate Shane and dad/defensive coordinator Shannon.
O’Brien will become a Hendrix Warrior this fall joining the Southern Athletic Association, NCAA Division III squad. Hendrix will enter its second season of football under Head Coach Justin “Buck” Buchanan.
Buchanan was hired as the first football coach of Hendrix College in 52 years in March 2012. Buchanan was at the helm when the Warriors begin competition in the fall of 2013. Buchanan is no stranger in the rebooting of dormant programs. He helped restart the program at Louisiana College in Pineville as an original staff member in 1999. Buchanan served as the Wildcats’ associate head coach from 2006-11 and helped guide LC to four consecutive 7-3 records and a top 25 ranking in his final season.
