Coaching vacancies could jeopardize CFC #1 O’Connor’s commitment to NCAA’s Nittany Lions
Is CFC # 1 Michael O’Connor’s gridiron future up in the air?
With the recent coaching vacancies at Penn State, O’Connor may be second guessing his commitment to NCAA Division 1 FBS school.
Last Thursday, Bill O’Brien officially left his positions as Nittany Lions Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator and made the move to the NFL ranks as the new Head Coach of the Houston Texans. O’Brien served as Head Coach for two years. This came on the heels of Quarterbacks Coach Charlie Fisher’s departure in December from the team.
The 6’5, 205 pound quarterback from Ottawa, Ontario was slated to enroll at Penn State and begin his studies in the business program at the school and start training for the team’s upcoming spring practice. He was awarded an athletic scholarship to the school.
O’Connor committed to the NCAA Division 1 school back on June 8th, 2013.
In an article by the Bleacher Report’s Tim Tolley, O’Connor has since decided to hold off on enrolling at the NCAA Division 1 school until the coaching situation is clearer.
However, O’Connor has not let his play suffer in spite of his uncertain future. Last Thursday, the Ottawa quarterback participated in the Under-Armour All-American Bowl where he connected with for a 10 yard touchdown reception in the third quarter of the game. Additionally, he had three completions in six attempts for 45 passing yards.
Recruiters have been keeping an eye on the situation as four NCAA schools contacted O’Connor since O’Brien’s departure from the team – Michigan State, Rutgers, UCLA and Michigan. O’Connor said to the Bleacher Report that he was not planning any official visits with NCAA schools.
Once the Nittany Lions have their coaching situation confirmed, O’Connor will be faced with a tough decision. Depending on who the team brings in, O’Connor may go ahead and enroll this month. The other option would see him deferring early enrollment for a year, whether it’s this team or another one.
O’Connor has been playing at the IMG Football Academy in Braneton, Florida, where he is currently training with former Heisman Trophy winner Chris Weinke. O’Connor also attended Baylor in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Previous to playing football south of the border, the Ontario quarterback suited up for the Ashbury Colts of the Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA), where he led the team to a conference title. Additionally, he played for the Orleans Bengals of National Capital Amateur Football Association (NCAFA). The Bengals won the league’s ‘A’ Championship in 2010.
O’Connor has been honoured for his exceptional play on the field throughout his career. Those achievements include: Colts MVP (2010), Championship MVP (2010), All-Star MVP (2010), top Junior player at the New England Patriot’s Football Camp (2010), top Senior quarterback, and player at Patriots Camp (2011), invite to the Top Prospects Camp at the University of Oklahoma and honours for his performances at NUC combines in Rochester, Delaware, as well as the University of Syracuse Camp.
The Ottawa pivot moved to the top of the CFC TOP 100 rankings in August, after being ranked # 3 in the site’s first rankings in March, 2013.
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