INDIANOLA — Simpson senior linebacker Michael Connor has been named to the 2018 American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) All-America Second Team, as announced by the AFCA.
Connor is the only player from the American Rivers Conference recognized on the 50-person team. The former Woodward-Granger standout becomes the 22nd football All-American in school history and first since 2008. He is the first linebacker to earn the distinction.
The American Rivers Defensive MVP caused fits for opposing offenses in 2018, disrupting the pass and the run. He finished the year with league-highs in tackles (113) and sacks (8.5) to go along with 16 tackles for loss. The hard-hitting Connor recorded the most sacks by a linebacker in school history and became the first linebacker to lead the conference in sacks since 2014.
In every game of the season, Connor had either a sack, tackle for loss, forced fumble, interception or pass breakup.
Connor began his career as a fullback and didn’t see significant playing time until his junior season when he switched to defense. He is also a D3football.com Second Team All-West Region pick and a nominee for the Cliff Harris Award, which is presented to the top defensive player in the country representing Division II, III and NAIA colleges and universities.
