By: Dave Collins
Sports Director
X: @DMCbroadcasting
56 & 11.
Hunter O'Connor and Rollin George III.
Two jersey numbers and two names CSC fans will see and hear plenty of this fall when the Eagles are on the football field. Two guys hungry for success and ready to roll Thursday when the Lopers come to town.
O'Connor is one of the most feared defensive linemen in the country and will be a candidate for RMAC Player of the Year and multiple national honors. He told me at a recent practice what his goals are in his final go-round with the team.
O'Connor blew up nationally his sophomore season with 16 sacks and 24 tackles-for-loss, setting records along the way. Last year every opponent knew they'd have to put extra focus on him and he still came through with 17 tackles-for-loss. He knows the special schemes are coming for him again this year but that his defense is loaded with playmakers surrounding him.
Top-six tacklers from a year ago Xavier Harrell, Reed Henkel and Logan O'Brien all return to the linebacking corps along with their 168 tackles. O'Connor knows the defense is aware of how good it could be this year, but they've got to stay focused on the details to see it all come true.
Meanwhile, over on the offensive side of the ball sophomore wide receiver Rollin George is a stud from California that flashed some nice highlight plays in his freshman season. He blazed around the corner for a 44-yard jet sweep on the second play at national-runner up Colorado School of Mines, caught a 22-yard TD at Adams State and with 27 catches tied Grant Swenson for second most on the team.
George says the new additions and summer work by the offense have built chemistry heading into the new season.
Now that he's gotten his feet wet in a budding college football career, George was challenged by his coaches to take on more leadership. He's excited for the challenge and to line-up across the field from another star - Tommy Thomas.
Another step forward George takes on a daily basis is developing with the physicality of D2 football. He says that was one of the biggest things he learned during his freshman season in 2023.
When you're in the stands for kickoff against UNK Thursday night make sure and watch #56 and #11 for plenty of play-making opportunities!