Interview: After Breakout Season 2021 Tennessee K/P Connor Wood Readies to Cement Himself Among the Best
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Have leg will travel, and if you have a leg like Class of 2021 kicker/punter Connor Wood, all will travel far. One could argue that Wood was one of, if not the, top breakout special teams stars in the 2021 recruiting class in 2017 after going perfect on point after attempts hitting 30 while putting 6-of-7 through the uprights with a long of 38 yards. The rising Lexington High School talent is adding more responsibilities to his workload in 2018 taking the field as the Tigers’ punter and kickoff specialist. Just more opportunities to show off his leg and versatility to college coaches and other opportunities to add a grouping of post-season honors to his 2017 Tennessee District 6 4A Kicker of the Year.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of Tennessee’s best special teams performers in the 2021 to learn more about his overall game and offseason workouts.
Interview
Connor, you made the Lexington varsity roster as a freshman, what was that experience like for you?
“It was really nerve racking at first. That first Friday night – that was nerve racking. But, after first kick it went away. It was pure enjoyment from there on out.”
So much of being a talented special teams performer is mental, how did that part of your game focus in during the 2017 season?
“It took a big step forward. I learned to be mentally prepared each time I stepped on the field. I grew a lot last year as a kicker.”
What were some of the big kicks you completed last year?
“Playing our district game against (Jackson) North Side, we were tied just before halftime. As time expired, I kicked a field goal to put us up at half. That was probably my favorite kick from last season.”
*The Tigers went on to win 31-6
Different kickers tend to like one hashmark or the other, do you have a preference or are you good either way?
“I’m good either way. I don’t care where I am on the field.”
Are you going to punt for the Tigers in 2018?
“Yes, sir.”
Are you excited about adding punting to your overall duties?
“Yes, sir. That is more time on the field for me. I am always excited about more time on the field competing.”
What have you been working on with your field goal kicking this offseason?
“A lot of my work has been on power. That was a lackluster part of my game last season. I have done a lot of work in weight room and focused on the technical parts of kicking to get more power.”
How is your punting coming along?
“My punting has improved a lot.”
About where are you with your punt average?
“I’m at about 40 yards per punt.”
Are you handling kickoffs 2018?
“Yes, sir.”
What is your average distance on kickoffs?
“I am around 60-63 yards on kickoffs with a 3.6 to 3.8 on the hang time.”
What is the longest field goal you have kicked in a game, practice, or at a camp?
“In a game, my longest attempted and make was 38 yards. My longest ever was 55 yards at a camp.”
Have you attended any camps this offseason?
“Yes, sir. I’ve been to a Memphis camp, a Chris Sailer camp in Rome, Georgia, an Austin Peay camp, and an Ole Miss camp. I plan on going to Khol’s National Scholarship Camp upcoming.”
How did the Memphis camp go?
“I enjoyed it. It was a lot of fun. I won the top underclassmen award and I made the finals for the kickoff competition.”
What about Ole Miss, how did that go?
“That was a really good camp. I finished second in field goals in my age group.”
Of all the camps, which did you turn in your best performance?
“I had a really good performance at the Chris Sailer camp. I was 9-of-10 on my field goals. I was pleased with that being my first Chris Sailer camp.”
I saw on Twitter that you earned some MVP awards at some of these camps. Which camps did you take home some top honors?
“At the Memphis camp and at a camp in Arkansas, the National Kicking Ranking Camp. I won MVP as the top field goal kicker for all age groups there.”
Nice. I know it is really early in your process, but are any colleges showing recruiting interest?
“Teams showing interest in me are Memphis and Austin Peay.”
More to come. Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?
“Yes, sir. I have been to Middle Tennessee State, Memphis, Ole Miss, and Austin Peay.”
One quick question about school, what is your favorite subject?
“Math.”
Last question. What are you doing for fun this summer away from football and working out?
“I have been spending time in the pool. It is hot here in Tennessee. I’ve been hanging out with my friends when I can.”
Connor, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Wood family; Connor Wood at Memphis and at a kicking camp