Addison Trail speedster Darrion Conrad (LPI #14 WR) and I recapped his summer, playing 7on7 and his expectations for the 2016 season.

Darrion Conrad

Wide Receiver
Addison Trail
Addison, IL

Ht: 5’9″
Wt: 165 lbs
Class: 2017

Commitment status: Undecided

LPI: In general, what have you been doing to improve for next season?

DC: I’ve been getting a lot stronger this offseason. One of our coaches switched to the offensive side of the ball this year and I have been working with him a lot, building strength and just improving in general.

LPI: Where have you camped/showcased at this summer?

DC: I camped at the North Central College satellite camp for Iowa State, Indiana State satellite camp at Bolingbrook and the Illinois satellite camp at Gately Stadium in Chicago. I think I did well at all the camps, but especially at the Indiana State and Illinois camps. I ran a 4.41 at Indiana St. camp so I was very happy about that. As for the Illinois camp, coach Lovie Smith pulled me aside and asked to see me at DB. At the Iowa state camp, I didn’t run my fastest 40 (4.45), but they said they were still going to add me to their recruiting database.

LPI: Were you on any 7on7 teams this summer? If so, how did it go for you?

DC: I played for HEROH and we were the top team. It was a great experience as I played with high level players like Ricky Smalling, Jaylon Banks, Jeremy Hunt and Tyrice Richie. I also had the chance to play against some of the top players in the area.

LPI: What schools have you been in contact with recently and which schools have shown the most interest in you?

DC: I have been in contact with Illinois, Indiana State, Iowa State, Northern Illinois and Indiana most recently.

LPI: Where have you visited most recently and do you have any visits coming up?

DC: The last visit I took was at NIU and I think it went really well. I’m hoping to get down to Illinois to attend a game this year.

LPI: Where have you received offers from?

DC: Winona State, Olivet Nazarene, Indiana State

LPI: What was it like getting your first offer? Describe that feeling.

DC: It was really exciting. For me, it took a lot of pressure off my mom’s shoulders knowing that she doesn’t have to pay for my college.

LPI: You started on varsity as a sophomore on the 2014 team that went 8-1. What’s it like becoming a team leader while only a sophomore?

DC: It was very exciting that season. Not only because I got to play on varsity as a sophomore, but because we finished at 8-1, the best record in school history. Now, and even my sophomore year, my teammates are/were always coming to me for advice or leadership so I definitely take pride in that.

LPI: Your team finished finished last year at 4-5 and missed the playoffs. What are your individual and team goals for the upcoming season?

DC: I really don’t have any personal goals as I feel like this year is all about the team. We have a really good shot of going 6-3 and winning conference. We just have to put in the work and earn it on the field.

LPI: What are your greatest strengths or why should a school offer you?

DC: I think my greatest strength is being versatile and just making plays. Most coaches call me their playmaker or utility man. I can play DB, RB, WR, KR, and PR.