Cathedral freshman QB among nation's best

Over the years, the Cathedral High School football team has produced some of the top players not only in Indiana, but in America. Freshman Danny O’Neil is optimistic he will join those ranks when his career is over, and if the preseason is any indicator, the freshman is already well on his way. He is an Adidas Freshman All-American. He has been invited to the Soldier Sports National Combine, was named a Football University Freshman All-American, and has traveled across the country for various camps and showcases. In other words, he is following in the footsteps of his favorite player – Peyton Manning. “I fell in love with football at a very young age idolizing Peyton Manning. I wanted to be just like him, so I decided I wanted to be a quarterback,” O’Neil told Sideline Prep Sports Report. And, despite not taking a snap on the varsity level yet, he isn’t letting that deter him from working hard and being ready. And as the accolades come in, he is staying humble and hungry. “I don’t really think about being a good player. I just know my goals will take a lot of hard work to get to, so I just give my all every day to be the best player I can be. All the hard work I’ve put in is starting to take off,” O’Neil said. It also helps that he is working with former Penn State quarterback Anthony Morelli, who O’Neil said has invested time with him. “It’s starting to pay off,” O’Neil said. A season ago, the Irish fell in the regional round of the state tournament to New Palestine. O’Neil is optimistic he can help Cathedral make a deep run in 2020. “As a team, we are focused and trying to work towards that state championship. And, personally, I want to do my part to get us to our goal. I am only heading into the 9th grade, and I have grown both physically and mentally to lead my teammates,” O’Neal told Sideline Prep Sports Report. Obviously, as a freshman, O’Neil doesn’t have schools actively recruiting him, but he does have some that he is interested in. “I have a few schools in mind. I am looking for good coaches, a good education, and a place I feel welcomed,” O’Neil said.