Interview: 2022 Oklahoma QB Karsen Conaway has Shawnee Rolling as Playoffs Near
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
In football, every rep, every snap, and every action in a game or in practice counts. A foundation has to be set with the physical attributes it takes to the play game along with the mental. When the 2019 season ended, Class of 2022 Shawnee quarterback Karsen Conaway had laid the needed groundwork earning two starts during the Wolves 2-8 season. The 2020 season has started off on the good foot for the Wolves working to a 5-2 record against 5A Oklahoma squads with their 6-0, 175-pound, field general leading the way. Shawnee is averaging 28 points per game and is on a four-game winning streak now prepping for one of their biggest battles of the season with a road trip on Friday visiting the Coweta Tigers.
With interest coming in from Ivy League programs and a fight for 5A District 3 positioning on the line, Conaway took a break from it all updating us on his growth on the field during his junior campaign.
Interview
Karsen, the Wolves are off to a 4-2 record going against 5A Oklahoma teams. How is the team looking after taking down East Central (Tulsa) 35-7 on Thursday?
We are looking pretty good. We have a lot of people out right now. When we get everyone back, we will look like a different team.
What style of offense are you executing this season?
Honestly, we bring in a lot of different looks – veer, a speed option and zone. We try to get the ball into our playmaker hands.
When you drop back, what are some of the coverages you are seeing?
This past week I saw a lot of Cover 2 and 4. In previous weeks we saw a lot of man because our running game has been so good.
How are you preparing for each game?
Monday and Tuesday are heavy load days with longer practices and morning lifts. Wednesday is lighter, but in full pads. On Thursdays we go half-pads. Monday through Wednesday are morning lifts. We watch film Monday and Tuesday as a group and then on Wednesday and Thursday I met with my QB coach who is also our offensive coordinator. When we meet, he will work with me on coverages and the game plan.
What are some of the routes you are throwing to in the playbook?
Slants, wheels, fades, a now route, a screen, a bubble, and some running back screens. Our receiver corps is dominate. We look for the easiest pass routes to get the ball into their hands.
Going back to the offseason, how did you prepare for the 2020 schedule?
This offseason, I spent a lot of time with the CEO of QB Impact, Tom Georgie. We did lifts, chalk talk, and worked on my mechanics. A lot of the reasons why I did not start in as many games last season was because of my throwing form, which was really slow. That was been a point of emphasis this offseason.
How did Coach Tom George help you fine-tune your throwing motion?
Being totally honest, he helped on numerous things. Because of how slow my form was on the release, we did a lot of release drills. I didn’t know at the time, but I was not getting my feet and my hips involved in my throws the way that I should.
After all the work put into your game, where are you seeing the biggest improvements in your overall game so far?
I am seeing improvements on how I am controlling the game, my game management, and being a better leader for my team.
Beyond your improvements, what do you feel are now the strengths to your game?
Our run game has been dominating, we are not calling for as many pass plays. When we have to pass, it has worked. My reads from last year to this year have gotten a lot better. Everything is slowing down, I am seeing the field better, and I am getting more comfortable in the pocket.
Coweta (6-1) is next up this Friday. What kind of showdown are you expecting in that one?
They are one of the better teams in our district. They will be our best challenge of the year. I believe we have improved from our previous games, and we keep getting better with our new staff. We will put up a good fight.
Karsen, I appreciate your time today and wish you and the rest of the team success on Friday against Coweta.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Conaway family; Karsen Conaway