Neil O’Connor
Wide Receiver
New Hampshire
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Neil O’Connor: I am 5’11, 190 pounds and I am hoping to run in the low 4.5’s at the pro day.
Alex Khvatov: Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?
Neil O’Connor: At Exceed with Sean Smith.
Alex Khvatov: When is your Pro Day? What are your expectations for that day?
Neil O’Connor: It will be on March 13th at New Hampshire. We have five guys participating. I am feeling good. I made a lot of improvement with Exceed. I need to stay calm and enjoy the moment. Take care of the test and be smooth in the drills.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Neil O’Connor: I loved playing baseball in high school. I had some local schools recruiting me. I wasn’t highly recruited for football. New Hampshire showed the most interest.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose New Hampshire?
Neil O’Connor: I loved it when I went up there. I loved baseball, but it never gave me the same feeling that football did. It is the best game in the world. I am glad that I stuck with football. It is the best decision that I made. I stepped on the campus and I realized that this is the place for me. I felt that this is where I belonged. It was a great decision.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Neil O’Connor: I am a hard worker. I pride myself on my high football IQ. I run good routes and catch the ball well. I am a reliable player.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Neil O’Connor: I had to get stronger while maintaining my speed.
Alex Khvatov: Tell us about your overall career.
Neil O’Connor: I ended up finishing third in receiving yards and receptions at the school. I was a three-time all-conference guy. I was an all-American my junior year. We won the conference my first year. We made the FCS playoffs four out of the five years.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Neil O’Connor: My whole junior season. We lost a lot of guys the year before, but we ended up playing really well. We just put together a great season and made a run in the playoffs. We lost in the quarterfinals to San Diego.
Alex Khvatov: What is your biggest accomplishment in college that you are most proud of?
Neil O’Connor: Being named All-American my junior year. I was on defense at first when I got to New Hampshire. I was struck with the speed of the game at first. I couldn’t imagine being named All-American. I was really proud when that happened.
Alex Khvatov: What have you learned the most from your coaching staff?
Neil O’Connor: I learned tons of stuff from them. They developed me into who I am. You always have to be great in everything you do.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Neil O’Connor: My father is a huge Packers fan. I grew up rooting for the Packers. I am also from New England country, so I support the Patriots. They are a hometown team.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Neil O’Connor: I have always liked Julian Edelman. I like to emulate his game. We have a similar build. I like how he runs his routes and creates separation.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a WR?
Neil O’Connor: Being reliable and consistent every day for my quarterback.
Alex Khvatov: Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the defense?
Neil O’Connor: You watch film the entire week and you can tell what coverage they will run. I am looking at the safeties and the cornerbacks’ eyes. They help indicate what coverage they will run. I am determining which way I am going to run my route.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?
Neil O’Connor: Freshman RB Carlos Washington is pretty legit. On defense, cornerback Prince Smith is going into his fourth year as the starter. He is athletic.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the toughest player that you have faced on an opposing team?
Neil O’Connor: There are a bunch of good guys. Jimmy Moreland from JMU was a good cornerback. My teammate Casey DeAndrade made a run a few years back. He was a good player.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Neil O’Connor: I love playing this game, and everything that comes with it. I love the preparation that you put in every week and the entire year. There is so much studying and preparation involved. Then you come out and perform.
Alex Khvatov: What is your definition of a leader?
Neil O’Connor: A leader is someone who not only knows how to motivate people verbally. It is someone that people will follow. It is someone who is always doing the right thing on and off the field.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Neil O’Connor: Every now and then, I play some catch. I like to watch sports and hang out with friends. In the summer, I go to the lake and do some fishing. I like to be outdoors.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Neil O’Connor: I always wanted to stay connected with sports. I love the Red Sox. I majored in business and minored in finance. I would like to use those degrees and stay around sports.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Neil O’Connor: Hard-working, selfless, responsible, devoted and encouraging.
