'09 FL DT Conor O'Neal (Boston College Verbal)

[GoRU]

'09 FL DT Conor O'Neal



Defensive tackle
Lithia (FL) Newsome

Ht: 6-foot-3
Wt: 300 lbs

Statistics: 43 tackles, 6 sacks

Badgers looking hard at Newsome's O'Neal

Although they have yet to offer a scholarship, the Wisconsin Badgers are taking a serious look at Newsome DT Conor O'Neal, Wolves coach Kenneth Hiscock said Monday. In fact, they've invited him to take an official visit.

"They're trying to get him up there," Hiscock said.

O'Neal (6-foot-3, 295 pounds) currently has offers from N.C. State and Georgia Southern. Boston College is another program that is showing interest. The Eagles called Newsome on Monday.

Right now, O'Neal is "leaning toward N.C. State," his coach said.

"From his junior season to his senior season, he really became a man," Hiscock said. "He had a turnaround season. He did very well for us."

With college regular seasons wrapping up, Hiscock thinks more programs will discover O'Neal, who had 35 tackles and six sacks for the Wolves (8-3).

"It's going to be a hectic month for him," he said.

[GoRU]

Big-time offers pouring in for Newsome's Conor O'Neal

As recently as two weeks ago, Newsome DT/OL Conor O'Neal had one Division I-A scholarship offer. Now, he has several.

In fact, it's safe to say O'Neal is no longer a sleeper.

During the past few days, the 6-foot-3, 295-pound senior standout has picked up offers from Boston College, Buffalo, Michigan State and Wisconsin to go along with N.C. State, which offered several weeks ago. Additionally, I-AA Georgia Southern offered, too.

"He's excited," Newsome coach Kenneth Hiscock said. "But at the same time, he's level-headed."

O'Neal will visit Wisconsin on Friday. He has yet to schedule any other trips.

O'Neal is Newsome's first big-time recruit, Hiscock said.

"It's real exciting for Newsome," Hiscock said. "It's putting us on the map. It's not only great for Conor, but for the school in general."

O'Neal played in the county's East-West all-star game last weekend at Raymond James Stadium. He was "awesome" in that contest, Hiscock said.

[TheFresher]

Imagine like the 2010 season with Matt LePay saying, "HUGE fourth down stop, Conor O'Neal and Conor O'Neill in on the play!!"

lol, idk if I could handle having two CO's

[GoRU]

Wisconsin trip went well for Newsome's O'Neal

[HotMic]

Scout $

12/17

From the Wisky site. Wisconsin, Boston College, Buffalo, Michigan State and NC State have all offered O'Neal, who was in to see the Badgers last weekend. He has scheduled visits to BC and NC State in January.

[Jwill535]

NC State already has 3 DT commits and have 22 commits already. They may be filled up by then.

[Tuffy11111]

I am one of Conor's closest friends. I have known him for nearly my entire life and I played with him before I graduated. I am kind of his adviser when it comes to this. What I can tell you is that he is leaning over to Wisconsin. He really liked his visit and enjoyed the lax attitude of the coaches. I know he is not an extremely high profile recruit but if you guys have any questions I can answer anything and everything.

[Bernini]

Originally Posted by Tuffy11111

I am one of Conor's closest friends. I have known him for nearly my entire life and I played with him before I graduated. I am kind of his adviser when it comes to this. What I can tell you is that he is leaning over to Wisconsin. He really liked his visit and enjoyed the lax attitude of the coaches. I know he is not an extremely high profile recruit but if you guys have any questions I can answer anything and everything.

Welcome, and thanks for sharing with us where we currently stand in regards to O'Neal.

And sure, I do have some questions. First, to what can you attribute the improvement in his play from his junior to senior season? Second, to what extent and how did he improve in actuality? Finally, is Conor under the impression that his offer is fully unconditional and can be accepted at any time?

[badgerman27]

Nice to hear he feels good about us. DT is certainly a position of need. If he has the ability that his offer list suggests, he would be competing for playing time early.

Just looking at the depth chart, I could see a guy in his freshman class being a 3 year starter.

[Tuffy11111]

Originally Posted by Bernini

Welcome, and thanks for sharing with us where we currently stand in regards to O'Neal.

And sure, I do have some questions. First, to what can you attribute the improvement in his play from his junior to senior season? Second, to what extent and how did he improve in actuality? Finally, is Conor under the impression that his offer is fully unconditional and can be accepted at any time?

In terms of him getting better, the sky is actually the limit. He has only been playing football since his sophomore year and has only played just over 20 varsity games. He continues to get better every week and he never stops. I always hated being scout against him because he never quit (Thank goodness I am bigger than him) He really has not had much time to focus on being a DT because the offensive line always needed him more. With a good position coach he can evolve into a terrific player.

[TroyD92]

question is he ready to face this???????


Just kidding lol, but could you list off some of his current measurables?

Height:
weight:
bench:
squat:

[TheFresher]

Originally Posted by TroyD92

question is he ready to face this???????


Just kidding lol, but could you list off some of his current measurables?

Height:
weight:
bench:
squat:

who is that?

[TroyD92]

Originally Posted by TheFresher

who is that?

Nic Acree a VT commit and he's only a junior yikes

[Bernini]

Originally Posted by Tuffy11111

In terms of him getting better, the sky is actually the limit. He has only been playing football since his sophomore year and has only played just over 20 varsity games. He continues to get better every week and he never stops. I always hated being scout against him because he never quit (Thank goodness I am bigger than him) He really has not had much time to focus on being a DT because the offensive line always needed him more. With a good position coach he can evolve into a terrific player.

That's actually more along the lines of what I was hoping for. That he was inexperienced in general and originally playing at a different position out of team need. What one fears with a lot of 300 pound DT's, is that when their eye is on the prize, they expend much more energy than they would normally. I don't think that's a character thing per say, but more or less the reality when one is carrying around that much girth and have to gear up to rush the passer or pursue a running back on every play. Offensive linemen's work rate is dependent upon their counterparts therefore they're rarely tabbed as "lazy". Interior D-Linemen really have to have a strong passion for the game in order to keep their motors running. Can you comment on O'Neal's passion for the game, as well as how freely he moves for an individual of this weight? Also, in spite of being that massive, strength isn't necessarily a given. Does he regularly push his counterparts into the backfield against the run 1-on-1, and can he at least hold his ground when double teamed usually?

[Tuffy11111]

In terms of him being in shape he certainly is. He wrestles in the offseason to stay in shape and as a result his stamina is just entirely ridiclous. He was actually one of the favorites to win the Florida 285 state competition but he got in trouble with his parents and was unable to compete lol. As for his passion for the game he certainly has no lacking in that department. He loves the game and as I previously stated, he refuses to give up even in practice. Conor actually just got back from France and I am going to see him later today before I head back to Auburn. I will ask him about the rest of your questions when I see him.