Meet Eureka's DL/OL Conner McDonald Class Of 2021
So in a way to better understand the use of Deep Dish Football for lllinois recruits and the whole entire IHSA Football scene. Decided to do player profiles of players who you might not know or you might know , but you should respect them for their roles on their respective teams. Every Football Player Has A Story To Tell
Conner McDonald Class of 2021 OL/DL 6'3 205 Eureka
Conner McDonald how was your 2018 season?
It was great. We were looked over at the start of the season and weren’t even expected to make the playoffs because we were so young and nobody knew anything about us. We had graduated a huge and talented Senior class. We ended the regular season with a 8-1 record and made it to the second round of the playoffs, ending with a 9-2 record. We surpassed every expectation like we knew we could and I can’t wait for next season to show everyone what we know we are capable of.
Favorite memory of 2018?
I think it would have to be hosting a home playoff game for the first time in 29 years. The way the community supported us and decorated the town for the game was absolutely amazing, and getting to host two in a row was even better. Nothing beats playing in front of Hornet Nation!
What does football mean to you?
It has always been a huge part of my life, and I’ve loved the game ever since I started playing it in the 3rd grade. Our team has always been very close and that’s another part that I love, we are really a family. The game has really helped develop me as a person and I don’t know what I would do without it. The guys and coaches are always there to pick each other up and keep pushing each other to get better every day, every practice, and every game.
Eureka has got some talent this season... How excited are you for this season?
I can’t wait for it to start, we are returning all but 3 of our starters and we can’t wait to build off of what we did last year. We have all been working hard to accomplish our goal of being state champions because we believe that we can do it. We have a really strong freshman class coming in next year and with the talent and depth already, let’s just say we’re going to be loaded for a while. We owe a lot to our coaches too. They’ve really brought out the strengths in all of us.
What part of your game have you been trying to improve in the offseason?
Getting faster and stronger, as a lineman only weighing around 200 pounds and going against people that are way bigger than me at most times, I have to rely on my speed and strength to be successful on the field. I’d never want to give up my spot on the O-Line but I’m looking forward to getting some time on defense where I get to cause some havoc!
How was your wrestling season?
My goal was to be a state qualifier and I missed it by 1 match which was a huge disappointment, but I am continuing to work hard in the off-season and stay determined to accomplish this goal that I had last year and to go even farther during my junior and senior seasons. I finished the season with a 27-10 record with 9 of my losses to state ranked wrestlers. 182 was a deep weight class, especially in the HOI Conference so it was an honor to be named HM all-conference this year.
How has wrestling helped you on your football skills?
It has helped me with my speed and explosiveness a ton. It has also helped me with my confidence and perseverance because it’s all on me while I’m on the mat. I have no teammates to watch my back or clean up a mistake. Wrestling has taught me to never give up no matter the odds because a match can be won in a matter of seconds, no matter how much you are losing by.
What goal do you have for yourself this upcoming season?
My goals this year are to be the best teammate that I can be and the best athlete I can be for my team at the positions coach needs me at. I want to be able to make my team better and help our team win a state championship, which is our goal. We know we can accomplish with hard work and dedication. An individual goal of mine is to make the all-conference team next year.
Remember Deep Dish Football Is Just Not About Recruiting But About The Love Of The Game Of Football In The IHSA
RESPECT THE GAME