Tommy Connors NFL Draft Profile --- January 11, 2011

Photo Courtesy of SLU Athletics
Southeastern Louisiana's Tommy Connors (6-1/215), recently named to the 2010 Louisiana Sports Writers Association All-Louisiana College Football first team, ended his Lions career as a four-time All-Southland Conference selection.

In 2010, Connors finished with 98 tackles, 10 passes defended and 10.5 tackles for loss. He also forced four fumbles, recovered three and added three interceptions.

His impressive individual efforts could not help the Lions overcome some early stumbles as the team ended with a record of 2-9.

"We lost three close games early in the year, two by one point and one by six points," Connors said via email. "We felt we outplayed our opponent. If we win those games I feel the rest of the season goes differently."

Months after these early-season defeats, the strong safety recalled his frustration with the outcome.

"Going 2-9 really hurts and I'm not sure when it will stop."

Connors, the Lions all-time leader in forced fumbles, gave an in-depth description on how Southeastern Louisiana's defensive unit puts an emphasis on creating turnovers.

SELU defense thrives on turnovers. We go through a turnover circuit a lot of times to work on different techniques including how to recover the ball as well. The players took it upon ourselves to force fumbles all throughout practices every year to make it instinct to attack the ball at all times.

Personally, I focused on a different technique each year. Freshman year, when I was getting use to the high level of competition, I really focused on putting my helmet on the ball and securing the tackle. Through years of practice, in pursuit to the ball carrier I take an angle to not only secure the tackle but make sure I can see the ball and get a clean swipe at it when I get there.

Assistant coach Matt Webb, the Lions defensive coordinator, can take credit for this turnover-driven defensive philosophy.

"Coach Webb makes sure he is always available to his players," Connors said.

"That alone has made a difference in my development on and off the field. So many times I have called on him while studying film. He and I both believe defenses play best when they play fast. He has helped all of us on defense play fast."

Connors continued discussing his interactions with Coach Webb.

"As a person, there is no one better in the game than Coach Webb, I truly mean that. His role in his player's lives doesn't stop when we leave the field. He is a great friend that I have a tremendous amount of respect for."

With his collegiate career now over, Connors has an eye on the next level and will do everything in his power to capitalize on his opportunity as the 2011 NFL Draft approaches.

"My 40 time is crucial just like it is for most draft prospects," the strong safety said.

"I would also like to be very fluent and efficient with all of my movements to get the most out of my body."