Connor Christian – Defensive Tackle – Jacksonville State

 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

 

Connor Christian:  Height: 6’2 and weight: 276. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Describe your overall experience at the FCS Bowl all-star game in Daytona Beach, FL.

 

Connor Christian:  It was a great experience to be given the chance to compete. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the biggest thing that you will take away from that

weekend?

 

Connor Christian:  The game is very fun when you compete with other guys that want to be great.  We push each other, so that we can both make it to the next level.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who was the best player that you have faced at the FCS Bowl?

 

Connor Christian:  Myself.  Being on all special teams made me push it to another level, so that I could still compete on defense as well.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

 

Connor Christian:  Savannah State, Middle Tennessee State and Georgia Tech. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you choose Savannah State?

 

Connor Christian:  They were the only school to offer me a scholarship. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you decide to transfer to Jacksonville State?

 

Connor Christian:  I felt that Jacksonville State could raise my skills as a football player and really push me to the limit.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

 

Connor Christian:  My relentless desire to get after the quarterback, take up two blocks to free up the linebackers and to be in the backfield to make plays or affect the quarterback.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

 

Connor Christian:  How I take on double teams and shedding blocks, so that I can make my tackles in the backfield.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Describe your overall career to us.

 

Connor Christian:  The two years playing defensive end at Savannah State and the two years playing defensive tackle at Jacksonville State, I could say that my career was very productive, but not as explosive as I wanted it to be.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your biggest accomplishment that you are most proud of?

 

Connor Christian:  Freshman year against BYU, I didn’t care about the score.  I kept playing and I believe that I played my best game of the season that year.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

 

Connor Christian:  The blocked kick against ETSU in the first round of the playoffs this year changed the momentum of the game that led us to win the game and send us to the next round.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What have you learned the most from your coaching staff?

 

Connor Christian:  How to see the game differently when we watch film together and improve my handwork on the field.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team?

 

Connor Christian:  Atlanta Falcons. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

 

Connor Christian:  Khalil Mack. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for a DL?

 

Connor Christian:  Relentless pursuit.  If you do anything wrong, then do it with aggressiveness and disrupt the play. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that

you are looking for from the offense?

 

Connor Christian:  If the offensive guard is leaning hard or sitting back in his stance.  If the tackle is in a two-point stance or hand in the dirt.  Also what side the running back is on because usually the center blocks away from the running back telling me that I have the two way go or to be middle push on pass.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?

 

Connor Christian:  Marlon Bridges (Safety), Jalen Choice (LB), Tre’ Threat (DE), Trae Barry (TE), Zerrick Cooper (QB), Josh Pearson (WR) and Montrez Lang (DT). 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the toughest player that you have faced on an opposing team?

 

Connor Christian:  Maine University OG Liam Dobson. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

 

Connor Christian:  Being able to have fun while playing with my teammates, but definitely getting tackles for loss or sacks.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your biggest role model and why?

 

Connor Christian:  My father is my biggest role model because he leads by example and gives back without wanting anything in return.  To leave an impact on his community is something I would also like to be remembered by.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your definition of a leader?

 

Connor Christian:  To lead by example.  Have an impact on others around you.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

 

Connor Christian:  Reading books and watching movies and cartoons.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?

 

Connor Christian:  Start my career in law enforcement and be able to protect and serve my community. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

 

Connor Christian:  Teammate, hard worker, relentless, leader and disciplined.    

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who will win the National Championship in CFB this year?

 

Connor Christian:  Alabama. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who will win Super Bowl LIII in February?

 

Connor Christian:  Chicago Bears.