Penn junior wide receiver Connor Scott has proven to be one of the Ivy League’s best wide receivers this season, but his road to stardom has come after a difficult sophomore campaign.
“Last year was the toughest year of my life,” Scott said, referring to a season-ending arm injury received last year during preseason play. “It was great watching the guys do their thing last year. Ryan Mitchell and Ryan Calvert were great, but it’s even better to be doing it myself.”
Scott, who is the leader of the Quakers’ receiving corps, will undoubtedly prove to be a challenge for the Lions’ defensive backs as the Light Blue travel to Pennsylvania’s Franklin Field on Saturday. Scott is third in the Ivy League in receiving yards, averaging 88.2 yards per game, and has scored two touchdowns this season.
Many attribute Scott’s success to the hard work he put in during his season on the sidelines and the following offseason. Scott spent a lot of time in the weight room improving on size, strength, and speed.
There have been two motivating factors for his success this season.
“To get All-Ivy League, and most of all, to win an Ivy League championship,” Scott said. “This year, I just want to show people that I haven’t gone anywhere and that I’m here now to make a name for myself.”
Light Blue head coach Pete Mangurian knows Scott has the ability to make big catches down the field.
“He’s the big play threat,” Mangurian said. “He’s the guy that keeps you honest. You start putting too many people down inside or try to cover him with nobody over the top, he’s good enough to get you downfield.”
Scott’s size and strength have enabled him to make a name for himself as a threat over the middle and a notorious deep threat. However, what truly sets him apart and makes him a great possession receiver is his ability to catch the football.
“Throughout my career, I have coached guys that have great speed, but they didn’t have great hands, so we could throw the ball deep and maybe they’d catch it, maybe not. He’s going to catch it,” Mangurian said of Scott. “He’s big and he’s strong and he can go get the ball in a crowd and he’s not afraid to go across the middle.”
The 6-foot-4 junior has become well known around the Ivy League for burning cornerbacks in one-on-one coverage over the top and across the middle. Because of this, Columbia’s safeties are going to have to constantly keep an eye out not only across the middle, but on the deep post routes, as well.
If the Lions are going to snap their current three-game losing streak and obtain a crucial victory against an Ivy opponent, they are going to have to find a way to counter what Scott brings to the field. While keeping an eye on the formidable receiver, they are also going to have to take into account Pennsylvania quarterback Billy Ragone’s ability to run the ball, which can open up some of the deeper passing options for a connection with Scott.
The Quakers will be looking to lock down their second Ivy win against the Light Blue Saturday by utilizing their passing game, especially the size and strength of their star wide receiver, Scott.