NAME: Nick O’Brien
SCHOOL: Wyoming Area
LAST SEASON: 2012
POSITIONS: QB/WR/DB
Another dual-threat quarterback that made plays all over the field, Nick O’Brien was considered one of the best two-way players in Wyoming Area history. O’Brien was a four-year starter who led the Warriors to the playoffs every season and helped them win a district title in 2012. He became the third Wyoming Valley Conference play to eclipse the 5,000 yard rushing mark (5,175) and is Wyoming Area’s all-time leading rusher. O’Brien threw for over 2,000 yards and had over 300 receiving yards as he played wide receiver earlier in his career. On defense, he had just under 300 tackles and 7 interceptions for his career.
O’Brien was 2012 NPF Wyoming Valley Conference Small School Offensive Player of the Year and first-team quarterback and defensive back. He was also the NPF District 2 Offensive Player of the Year. O’Brien was a first-team athlete and defensive back and was an All-District 2 defensive back in 2011. He was named an all-state quarterback by the Pennsylvania Football Writers and a first-team all-state athlete by the Pennsylvania Football News in 2012. EasternPaFootball.com gave him first-team honors in both 2011 and 2012. O’Brien was a member of the WNEP Dream Team and was selected to play in the PSFCA East-West Game. He would continue his football career at Division I-FCS Bucknell University where he was a three-year starter at cornerback and returned kicks.
Wyoming Area coach Randy Spencer on O’Brien: “Nick O’Brien was one of the most dynamic players in our program’s history. He made an immediate impact as a freshman, and led our team to an Eastern Conference Final, and District 2 Final in his sophomore and junior seasons. As a senior, he made plays in every aspect of the game. On defense, Nick was shut down in coverage, and a down hill player that hit like a linebacker against the run. Offensively, he was an explosive dual threat quarterback, hard nosed inside runner with speed to get to the edge and separate once he broke through the second level of a defense, a tough match up as a slot receiver, and a very dangerous kick returner. In 2012, Nick led his team to a District 2 Championship, and became the WVC’s third all time leading rusher with over 5,000 yards. What set Nick apart as a player and leader was his combination of athleticism, toughness, and will to compete. I’m so proud to have coached Nick, and of the young man he has become. ”
