Sean Atkins
| South Florida Bulls – No. 38 | |
|---|---|
| Position | Wide receiver |
| Class | Graduate |
| Major | Pre-Finance |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | August 9, 2001 Melbourne, Florida |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Weight | 186 lb (84 kg) |
| Career history | |
| College |
|
| High school | Viera High School (Viera, Florida) |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
Sean Atkins is an American former college football wide receiver who played for the South Florida Bulls from 2019 to 2024. A former walk-on, he became the first 1,000-yard receiver in USF program history in 2023, finishing his career as the Bulls' all-time leader in receptions (200) and receiving yards (2,167).
Early life
Sean Atkins grew up in Melbourne, Florida, and attended Viera High School.[1] A 5-foot-10, 165-pound wide receiver, he received limited recruiting attention and was not ranked by major recruiting services like Rivals.com or 247Sports.[2][3] Despite an offer from a NCAA Division II program, Atkins chose to pursue NCAA Division I FBS football, joining the University of South Florida (USF) as a walk-on in 2019.[4]
College career
Atkins joined the South Florida Bulls football team in 2019 as a walk-on, balancing a part-time job as a food runner to pay rent while attending early morning practices and classes.[5]
He saw limited action in his first two seasons, appearing in six games in 2020 with no recorded receptions.[1]
In 2021, after earning a full scholarship before the season, Atkins recorded five receptions for 67 yards in 12 games.[6][7]
In 2022, under new head coach Alex Golesh, Atkins emerged as a key receiver, catching 19 passes for 238 yards and three touchdowns.[1] Golesh, impressed by Atkins’ high school film from Viera, praised his "nifty" route-running and reliability.[8]
In 2023, Atkins recorded 92 receptions for 1,054 yards and seven touchdowns, becoming the first USF player to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in a season. Notable games included a career-high 116 yards and two touchdowns, including an 88-yard score, in a 44–30 win over Navy. He earned Second Team All-AAC honors and was named a semifinalist for the Burlsworth Trophy.[1]
In 2024, Atkins earned third-team All-AAC honors from both coaches and Phil Steele, and was named to the Biletnikoff Award watch list.[1][9]
He played in the 2023 Boca Raton Bowl and 2024 Hawai'i Bowl, setting a USF record with 17 bowl-game receptions.[10][11]
Atkins finished his career with 200 receptions, 2,167 receiving yards, and 17 touchdowns, holding USF records for career receptions and receiving yards. Reflecting on roster limit changes potentially reducing walk-on opportunities, Atkins expressed concern for future players, stating, "It kind of eliminates all the stories like mine."[7][12]
Career statistics
| Season | Team | GP | Rec | Yds | Avg | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | USF | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 |
| 2020 | USF | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 |
| 2021 | USF | 12 | 5 | 67 | 13.4 | 0 |
| 2022 | USF | 12 | 19 | 238 | 12.5 | 3 |
| 2023 | USF | 13 | 92 | 1,054 | 11.5 | 7 |
| 2024 | USF | 12 | 84 | 808 | 9.6 | 7 |
| Career | 55 | 200 | 2,167 | 10.8 | 17 |
Professional prospects
On March 26, 2025, Atkins participated in USF's Pro Day, performing drills before scouts from all 32 NFL teams and one Canadian Football League team.[10] He completed 12 bench press reps of 225 pounds and a 9-foot-10-inch broad jump, though his 40-yard dash time was not publicly reported.[13] Atkins’ undersized frame (5’8", 177 pounds) was noted as a challenge for NFL prospects, with the average NFL receiver being taller.[13] Coach Alex Golesh highlighted Atkins’ ability to get open on third downs, comparing him to successful NFL receivers with long careers. Atkins trained in Lake Nona, Florida, post-season, emphasizing his route precision and reliable hands.[13]
Personal life
Atkins is from Melbourne, Florida, and was supported by his parents and family friends at his 2025 Pro Day.[13] He has expressed gratitude for his walk-on journey, crediting his "chip on the shoulder" mentality for his success.[7] Atkins has advocated for preserving walk-on opportunities in college football, citing their role in stories like his.[7]
References
- ^ a b c d e "Sean Atkins - Football". USF Athletics. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
- ^ "Sean Atkins SENIOR Wide Receiver South Florida". rivals.com. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
- ^ "Sean Atkins, USF Bulls, Wide Receiver". 247Sports. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
- ^ "Sean Atkins: 38 Special". USF Athletics. May 13, 2025. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
- ^ "Hard work pays off for USF's Sean Atkins". ABC Action News Tampa Bay (WFTS). April 12, 2024. Retrieved May 25, 2025.
- ^ "University of South Florida Bulls gives scholarship surprise to 2 players". ABC Action News. August 20, 2021. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
- ^ a b c d Barie, Sean (December 17, 2024). "USF receiver Sean Atkins hopeful college football continues to embrace walk-on players". FOX 13 News. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
- ^ Narducci, Marc (June 5, 2024). "USF Wide Receiver Sean Atkins: From Walk-On To Stand Out". HERO Sports. Retrieved May 25, 2025.
- ^ "Burlsworth Trophy Announces Semifinalists – Burlsworth Trophy". Retrieved May 25, 2025.
- ^ a b "Is USF record-setting receiver Sean Atkins a bona fide NFL prospect?". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
- ^ Narducci, Marc (December 18, 2024). "Hawaii Bowl: USF's Sean Atkins Looks To Steal The WR Spotlight". HERO Sports. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
- ^ "FOOTBALL - Atkins Goes Over 2,000 Career Receiving Yards as Bulls Fall at Rice". USF Bulls fan forums - BullsInsider. November 30, 2024. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
- ^ a b c d "USF's Atkins, Joiner pursue NFL dreams at Pro Day". The Oracle. March 26, 2025. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
External links
- Sean Atkins at USF Bulls bio