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2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Conner Mortensen, LB, Weber State University

Conner Mortensen NFL 2022 Weber State
Conner Mortensen the hard-hitting linebacker from Weber State University recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Justin Berendzen.
  • Name: Conner Mortensen
  • Position: LB
  • College: Weber State University 
  • Height: 5’11”
  • Weight: 215 lbs 
  • Twitter: @condrew11

1.What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

I was first introduced to football through watching some of my friends play when they were in pop warner. I don’t come from a super sports-oriented family so it wasn’t something that my parents put me in right away. Watching my friends play and have fun sparked something in me. From then on I was obsessed with football. I was constantly watching NFL Network and just fell in love with the sport. Ultimately the brotherhood and the energy and passion around the sport made me want to be a football player.

2.If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

I think I would say Luke Kuechly. He has such a crazy knowledge of the game and I have a lot of respect for the way he plays. He seems really humble and I would love to see the way he works up close.

3. What sets you apart from other linebackers?

My work ethic, the pursuit of the ball, and my grit on the fieldsets me apart. I’m never satisfied with doing the “expected”, and the chip on my shoulder always pushes me to give 100% and go toe to toe with anybody. 

4.What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?

I feel that I bring composed energy to the field. I’ve learned that it’s really important to stay calm and focused and not get carried away in the energy of the situation. 

5. What are your favorite things about playing football for Weber State?

The area and the relationships I’ve formed with my teammates are my favorite things about Weber. I have so much love for the bonds I’ve been able to form with teammates and coaches. They’re relationships that I’ll cherish for life. The area here around Ogden is beautiful too. There are so many spots to go boating, fishing, hiking, and so much more. It’s made living up here really enjoyable. 

6.What is your favorite workout?

I love CrossFit. It’s hard to pick one specific workout, but I love the diversity and challenges that it offers. With rope climbs, muscle-ups, and all that crazy stuff. 

7.What do you think are the keys to success on the football field?

The first thing that comes to mind is accountability, and pride in what you do. I think if you take pride in your job, and take accountability for doing what you need to do to help your team succeed then you’ll find success too. I like to think of how I play as a reflection of who I am as a person. 

8.What was one moment that improved you as a football player?

There was a moment where it finally clicked for me that the more simple I could make things, the faster I could play. Keeping keys simple and not seeing too much. Reacting more than thinking. 

9.What is your mindset when you are on the football field?

I feel like I have a “chip on my shoulder” mindset at all times. That probably comes from starting as a walk-on. I’m out there to prove something, to myself most of all, and those watching as well. 

10.What would a team get in a player like you?

A team would get my best effort at all times, and someone who is humble and eager to learn from those at the next level. 

11.What are your favorite moments from your football life?

One of my favorite moments from my youth was when my brother and I got our pads and helmets for the first time. We were just running around the backyard cracking each other and running into trees. Feeling the passion and energy from a crowd in high school is another one of my favorites as well. Being out there with my closest friends and experiencing that was amazing. That passion and energy only increased in college and I’ve come to love it more and more. 

12. What are your biggest traits on the football field?

Composure and aggression. 

Damond Talbot

NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com

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