COVINGTON, Va. (VR) – Covington star linebacker Luke Conner recently signed his national letter of intent to play football for the Concord University Mountain Lions beginning this fall of 2023.
Conner, a standout player that finished with an area-leading 109 tackles on defense as a senior, and 17 catches with two touchdowns on offense, became a household name for the Cougars over the last few years, which led the Athens, West Virginia school to extend him an invite for a visit to campus.
Conner admits that Concord was not really in the mix until that visit happened.
“Concord wasn’t really my top choice until I was invited for a visit, and the atmosphere, coaches and wonderful campus persuaded my decision toward becoming a Mountain Lion,” Conner said.
To play at that level, even division II, is a much tougher and a much bigger step up in consistent competition. However, Conner knows his Cougar coaches have done all they can in making sure he is a success at his next stop.
“I believe coach Jones and coach Kessinger brought out the best in me and taught me what I need to know to prepare myself for the next level,” he said matter-of-factly.
As far as his new coaches are concerned, Conner is ready to do whatever they ask of him in any situation.
“I spoke with coach Walker, and I told him that I love being a linebacker, but I just want to play football, so put me wherever I can make the biggest impact for the team,” Conner stated.
That leadership and preparation even extends to the school itself.
“Covington always provided me with the resources and mentorship to become a better player and an even better person. This past year at Covington has prepared me well to play at the next level,” Conner said.
Conner’s parents, Chris and Lori, have always had their son’s best interest at heart, but there was one thing they never let him forget.
“My family has always supported me in anything I have set my mind on. All they asked was that if I was going to do something I needed to strive to be the best,” Conner said.
When he arrives on campus, the all-Pioneer District first-team selection and District defensive player of the year will have new challenges and hurdles to complete. But not one to shy away from something difficult, Conner knows what he needs to do to stay engaged.
“Once I get to Concord, I will strive to put the extra work in to become a starting Mountain Lion as soon as possible, and If coach Walker decides to redshirt me, I am more than happy to take that first year to develop and grow as a player,” Conner said confidently.
Before he arrives, however, Conner is in the midst of his final baseball season. Although Covington has started a little slower than planned, he says just improve and let anything happen once the postseason begins.
“I try to express to my teammates to take this season, game by game, pitch by pitch. Our focus is set on our pioneer district games at the moment,” Conner concluded.
