Penn State defensive analyst Dan Connor has been communicating the play calls to middle linebacker Kobe King. (Photo by Mark Selders)
By Rich Scarcella
Former Penn State All-American linebacker Dan Connor, a defensive analyst on the coaching staff, received high praise Monday from Nittany Lions coach James Franklin.
“Dan has a very, very bright future,” Franklin said. “He’s a unique guy, he really is. He doesn’t say a whole lot, but when he speaks everybody listens.”
The 38-year-old Strath Haven All-Delco and former head coach at Archbishop Carroll has handled in-helmet communication for the defense the last two games with defensive coordinator Tom Allen moving from the sideline to upstairs in the coaches booth.
The new NCAA rule, similar to the one in the NFL, allows one staff member to communicate via radio with one player on offense or defense wearing a green dot on their helmet until there are 15 seconds left on the play clock or until the ball is snapped, whichever comes first.
Connor has been relaying the calls to middle linebacker Kobe King the last two games. Coincidence or not, Penn State’s defense has held Kent State and Illinois to a total of seven points and 286 total yards in the victories.
(click on this link for the full article, subscription may be required)
