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Adam Davis interviews Dan Connor
Interviewed on: Friday, June 1st, 2007 Adam Davis: Hey Dan, it's a pleasure to get the chance to interview you. Dan Connor: Thanks, I really appreciate the recognition. AD: Let's start with height, weight, and 40 time. DC: Oh, lets see. I was 6-3, 238, and run in the 4.6 range. AD: How do you spend the off-season? DC: Trying to relax. We have winter conditioning and spring ball so there isn't really a lot of time to relax. Also, just working out a lot. AD: What are you personal and team goals? DC: Well we set goals for the team to win a Big 10 championship like we did a few years ago. We'd also like to win a National Title, that is a goal we set every year. As a personal goal, just being the leader of the defense and making a play. AD: There is a lot of good talent in the Big 10 this year like you guys; Wisconsin is another team to beat. Who is the team to beat in the Big 10 this year? DC: Well it's going to be tough every week. Illinois scares me a little. They have some good players at the skill positions and they are getting ready to take off any year. AD: I know you were close to coming out last year, what grade did you receive and what led to you deciding to come back? DC: Well they gave me a high 2nd, low 3rd grade. I got a feel for the competition and truth is I wanted to stay. I wanted to play middle linebacker for Penn State and be the leader of this team. As I senior I just want to show what I can do. AD: PSU has a high graduation rate and lots of guys have come back for their senior year, did you feel you had to follow in that mold too? DC: Yeah, that's the Penn State way. That's one thing Coach Paterno stresses when he recruits you is that you are here for school and coming to graduate and football is secondary. AD: What did you learn from playing with a great player like Paul Posluszny? You even knew him in high school as well right? DC: Yeah, I played against him in high school. He's an unbelievable leader. I'd say his best qualities are his work ethic and his leadership skills. He was the hardest worker on the team and that's why he was the best player. He taught me to push myself, help the young guys, and be a leader. AD: You and Poz certainly brought back Linebacker U after LaVar Arrington left. Who is the next great linebacker to watch for? DC: Shawn Lee. He has already made a name for himself. He is a great linebacker, has great instincts, our linebacker coach's type. He is definitely next in line. AD: What are you looking to improve on most this year? DC: Well this offseason I have focused on putting on weight and getting faster. I'm just focused on football. My weight is the highest it's ever been and I feel fast. I want to make a mark on Penn State tradition. AD: What do you feel was your best game to date? DC: Oooh, that's tough. Maybe the Purdue game. That, or Ohio State or Akron I made some plays. I guess I would say its Purdue. AD: You've had some off-field issues at Penn State. How have you matured over the 4 years at Happy Valley? DC: Well you know I came in young, I was an 18 year old kid and came in made a mistake off the field. I got in Coach P's doghouse, probably still am! But I've just realized that I am in the public eye, and lots of kids are looking up to you and that's something I embrace in being a role model. I'm glad to have the opportunity to be the leader this season. AD: How does it feel to be named to so many pre-season All-American lists? DC: It's an unbelievable honor. I don't look into it too big and let it give you a big head. It's something you definitely put in the scrapbook and appreciate down the road. AD: What do you feel are your biggest strengths? DC: People say my instincts. I've been playing ball since kindergarten, so I'd say my instincts are my best strength. AD: What about weaknesses? DC: I'd like to work from the outside to inside. It's a tough, hard-nosed league. I'm also working on getting bigger and stronger. AD: What are some of your hobbies? DC: I like playing guitar. I've been playing for about 10 years. It's good to clear my head and clear thoughts. AD: What kind of stuff do you play? DC: I like the softer stuff; James Taylor, Led Zeppelin, Jack Johnson, John Mayer. AD: Well Dan I wish you the best of luck this year, except against Michigan State! DC: Thanks a lot! |