Virginia Squads Beware, 8-Offer 2023 OT/DE Nolan McConnell is Coming
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Off the gridiron in Stafford, Virginia, during the 2019 high school football season with Colonial Forge a growing beast arose. Beginning the season as a two-way player at the junior varsity level, freshman Nolan McConnell was a midseason call up to the Eagles’ varsity squad showing the beginnings of something terrible for opposing 6A programs going forward.
Any offensive and/or defensive lineman that may have gotten one in on McConnell last season, count your blessings because it is not going to happen again. McConnell was suiting up playing varsity defensive end and JV left tackle tipping the scales and stretching the tape at 6-3, 250-pounds. An offseason of dedication in the weight room plus a growth spurt has this developing four-star talent ready to hit the field at 6-7, 290, in 2020.
The sneak-peak of raw talents coupled with tremendous upside has already prompted scholarship offers from teams in the ACC, Big Ten, and SEC. For details on his offseason workouts and his rising recruiting process, McConnell stopped by the RNG Lab.
Interview
Nolan, you were in a very unique situation last season not only playing on both sides of the ball but doing so as a freshman. Looking back, how long did it take you to adapt to playing at the varsity level?
A big part helped that I played JV first, it was not too bad of a transition. It was fun. I adapted pretty well to it.
On offense, the coaches put a lot of trust in you putting you in at left tackle. How did your skills grow throughout the season as an offensive lineman?
As an offensive lineman, I did not play too much on varsity, I was mainly playing defensive positions. On JV, I started at left tackle. I like the play type of pass rushing on defense and pass blocking on offense. Getting those reps, that helped during JV.
When the 2019 season ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your game on defense?
I think I am fast for my size, that helped me in different situations and scenarios. I got better over that time reading pass blocks and reading the different formations.
This was touched on a minute ago, but going deeper. How has being a two-way player helped expand your understanding of the game?
It helps because you know what you are looking for. On defense, you know what works and how to stop it.
When the 2020 season gets going, where all are you lining up?
I will mainly be playing left tackle and defensive end.
What have you been working on as an offensive lineman this offseason?
A big part has been the types of blocking in our formations. We’ve had practices up to this point, but we just stopped because of the virus. I’ve been working at home too. A lot of what I have been working on is on the fundamentals, which is a big focus on our offense, and the different types of blocking.
What have you been working on to prepare for the 2020 season on defense?
A big part of my defensive progression is my get-off, reading pass, draw, run plays, and screens. I’ve focused on reading the QB and adjusting.
How have you added more size, speed, and strength to your game?
In the weight room I have focused on squats, cleans, and bench. I’ve been doing a lot of cardio and I practice my drills outside.
Staying in the weight room, have you had a chance to max out on any of the basic lifts like bench press or squat?
Yes. My squat is 360, I got 250 on bench, and 230 on clean.
When does the 2020 season kickoff for the Eagles?
As of right now, we should be playing Feb. 14, 2021. That should be the date of our first game.
Once the season gets going, after all that you have worked on, what are you wanting to showcase?
I want to be able to showcase that I can play aggressively and make highlight plays. I want to play the game to the best of my abilities.
Let’s close talking about recruiting. How many offers are you holding?
Eight.
Which program was the first to offer you?
Penn State.
Very cool. Which were the last couple to offer?
Arkansas, Nebraska, and Liberty.
McConnell’s Offer Sheet: Arkansas, Boston College, Liberty, Nebraska, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, and Virginia
When on-campus visits are allowed again in 2021, which schools would you like to go visit?
Penn State and UVA (Virginia) would be nice. UVA is close to home.
Nolan, I appreciate your time. Wishing you continued success this offseason preparing for your sophomore season.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: McConnell family; Nolan McConnell