"It took a lot of convincing by our coaching staff to get me to recruit Connor and I'm glad I did. He is tough, smart, and extremely resilient and because of those intangibles he is highly respected and admired by everyone in the Harvard Football Family."
- Tim Murphy, The Thomas Stephenson Family Head Coach for Harvard Football
Q: What is your concentration?
History and Science
Q: What do you hope to do in life once football is finished?
My plan right now is to go to Officer Candidate School and join our nation's special forces with the hopes of pursuing a career in the FBI or CIA after.
Q: Can you explain the nuances of your position and provide something for the casual fan to better understand your position?
I play outside linebacker, so a lot of the time I am on the perimeter of the defense. My job is to set the edge to the defense and contain the ball carriers on run plays. On pass plays, I will typically have a zone underneath the secondary and will cover mostly tight ends and slot receivers.
Q: What is your first memory of football?
My very first contact drill ever. I was so excited I forgot to put my mouthpiece in and chipped both my front teeth. I haven't played a snap without it since.
Q: What's your favorite Harvard team to watch as a fan?
Definitely the basketball team. Everybody gets really into the games. That's the kind of atmosphere you want to be in as a player and as a fan.
Q: What do you think the hardest sport at Harvard is?
Hockey is the hardest sport because they play one of the most physical sports, plus they do it on one of the hardest surfaces known to man with knives on their feet.
Q: What are the hardest parts of being a student-athlete at Harvard?
The hardest part is trying to maintain a balance between academics and athletics. If you are not staying on top of your work, it can get overwhelming quickly.
Q: What's the best part about a home football day?
The barbeque after the game put on by the parents is the best part of a home football day.
Q: Who do you like lining up against in practice?
Anyone on the offensive line. Despite me being much smaller than them, we have some pretty good battles.
Q: Choose one of each: The song you are most proud of, and least proud of, on your iPod.
Most - All Star by Smash Mouth
Least - Baby by Justin Bieber
Q: Who has the best nickname on the team and why?
Norman Hayes aka "Boobie". Norm is probably the closest thing to James "Boobie" Miles we will ever get to witness. That boy can flat out play football.
Q: Do you have a nickname and how did it come about?
I have several nicknames - Cowboy, Spike, Sheriff, Jarhead, and Thad. Other than Jarhead, they all came about because of a part of my personality. Jarhead was given because of my haircut.
Q: What do you think of when you hear Harvard's mission statement of "Education through Athletics?"
There are many life lessons that can be taught through athletics. Some of the greatest things we learn can only be done through competition in a team sport.
Q: How important is the support of the Friends of Harvard Football group?
The support of all booster and alumni groups is extremely vital to the success of our program. The Friends of Harvard Football's support is felt everyday when we step on the field.
Q: What does it mean to be a man of Harvard?
A man of Harvard is someone who is well versed in all aspects of life. He is a leader on and off the field, has ambition, and gives more than he receives.
Q: How has playing football at Harvard better prepared you for life?
Playing football, I have learned how to deal with adversity. Adversity training is one of the main things we harp on in the offseason.
Q: When you leave Harvard, what do you want your legacy to be?
I want to be remembered for my work ethic and positive attitude. You can do anything if you set your mind to it.
Q: If you could go back, what would you tell yourself when you were a freshman?
The playbook is very difficult to learn. Spend more time than you think you need reading it.
Q: What is your favorite memory on the football field?
The next one. Every time I have a chance to play football I cherish it as if it's my last.
Q: If you could be anyone for a day, who would it be and why?
I would be Justin Timberlake, because he seems to have the perfect life. He's successful, funny, and great at golf. Plus he's a real lady-killer.
Q: If you could do anything for a day without any cost considerations, what would it be?
Play a round of golf at Augusta with my Dad.
Q: Best and worst football movies of all-time? Why?
Best - Friday Night lights. As I get further removed from Texas high school football, it becomes more and more nostalgic.
Worst - The Comebacks. It's not that funny and I'm not a David Koechner fan.
Q: What is your favorite Murphy-ism (quote/saying that Coach Murphy is known for)?
"Water over the bridge."
Q: Of your teammates, who is most likely to 1) become President of the United States, 2) be a star of a reality TV show, 3) join the circus, 4) fall off the face of the earth? Why?
1- Jake Lindsey - He'll end useless government spending.
2- Nick Burrello - He's too good looking not to be on TV.
3- Michael Mancinelli - He's big and goofy so he'll fit right in.
4- Justin Fox - No one knows where he is most the time already.
Q: What is the best thing about being from Texas?
Everyone from Texas is very friendly. Our state motto is "Friendship".
Q: What is the best advice anyone has ever given you?
Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.
Q: One thing most people don't know about me is that...
The Bachelor is my guilty pleasure.
