Name: Tristan Connell
School: Southeastern University
Position: K
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 215
What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
Most of the goals I set for myself this past season revolved around being seen as a valuable asset to the team by both my coaches and fellow teammates. I was able to accomplish this goal by being the number one point scorer with 50 points total, having converted 80 percent of my field goals, and having a kickoff average just under 58 yards per kick.
Q: How do you think you took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to increase your chances of going pro?
I took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to examine my potential to play past my collegiate career. During this time, I was able to make the decision to transfer from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Southeastern. I personally saw this as a better opportunity to allow me to train with my kicking coaches year-round Mike Hollis and Mike Georgetti, who are both located in Jacksonville, Florida.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
My coaches would say that I am the type of player to listen to coaching and incorporate the coaching immediately into my gameplay. They would also say that I am the type of player that does his job, doesn’t make excuses and always brings positive energy to both practice and games. My teammates would say that I put in the time and effort into my craft and do whatever I can to perfect it. They would also say that I am a hard worker, driven in my process, and that I bring positive energy on and off the field.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
When studying my film, I am mainly looking for different aspects of my kicking form that are not in alignment with the form I am attempting to emulate.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
What really separates me from other prospects at my position is the kicking form I am learning. This form allows me to kick a higher and longer ball with greater accuracy. By incorporating multiple major muscle groups into the kick, I maximize the kick potential and minimize the chance for injury.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
For the offseason I will continue to work with my kicking coaches to develop all aspects of my kicking. I will also be attending various workout opportunities and combines, as I am able to showcase my talents to a broader audience. I will continue to train both my mind and body to prepare myself for the demands of kicking in a professional atmosphere
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
One of the biggest strengths I have that I can bring to a team is my mindset of “on to the next kick”. Regardless of whether the kick was my best, or not so great, I am able to wipe it from my memory and treat every kick as fresh. I also have great focus when it comes to intense situations, and I thrive on clutch moments in my career. I have good leg strength, and consistency in my form which will help me stand out among my peers. Off the field, I do whatever is necessary to work on myself and my craft to keep me game ready.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
I’m a consistent, reliable kicker that will perform in any capacity to be an asset to the team and the community which I play in. When you need someone to perform, I will deliver.
