Connor O’Brien Is ‘Enjoying The Process’
September 08, 2016 | Football
By Mason Kelley
GoHuskies.com
During a recent practice, Connor O'Brien dropped into pass coverage and came up with an interception. On the next play, he sacked the quarterback. Then he came with a second interception.
When asked about the sequence, O'Brien just smiled.
"I think I got a little lucky on some of those," he said. "Every dog has his day."
However, while there is something to be said for O'Brien's humility, there is more to his success than luck.
Now in his fourth year with the program, O'Brien's playmaking potential is a testament to the effort invested each season and every practice.
"Last year, I don't know if I would have been able to make those things happen," he said.
Before the start of last season, O'Brien was shifted to "buck" outside linebacker. He spent the year learning the position and now, one game into his junior year, he is starting to feel comfortable in the role.
"As far as the plays, the speed of the game, it's definitely slowing down a little bit for me," said O'Brien, who had a pair of sacks last season. "I still have a little way to go to be where I want to be, but I'm enjoying it so far. I'm enjoying the process."
So far, the process is leading O'Brien to more time on the field. And, the more opportunities he gets, the better chance he has to become the player he envisioned when he arrived as a freshman.
"Like everyone at this level, I just want to be the best I can be and, hopefully, make it to the next level after college," O'Brien said. "I just want to be the best player I can be. I'm obviously not there yet, but hopefully in time."
To aid in his development, O'Brien is paying attention to those ahead of him on the depth chart as well as those who have moved on to the NFL.
"I have JoJo (Joe Mathis) ahead of he and he's, obviously, a very good guy to watch to learn how he does things," O'Brien said.
He watches tape on former Huskies Travis Feeney and Hau'oli Kikaha. He watches clips of players from other teams. He pays attention to anyone he might be able to learn something from.
His goal: To understand "how the best players really perform."
As long as he keeps doing that, O'Brien will continue to get "a little lucky" both on the practice field and during games.
"I've just got to do it that way, study film, work on my hips, flexibility and all that stuff," he said. "I think that will help me become a better player."
As he works, handles "my assignment" and does "what the coaches write up" he will continue to enjoy the process.
