NORFOLK, Va. - With fall camp less than a week away, ODUSports.com caught up to sophomore offensive lineman, Connor Mewbourne, to ask him about the upcoming 2013 season and various other topics.
ODUSports.com Q&A with Connor Mewbourne - Offensive Line - Virginia Beach, Va.
How did you get started playing football? I started out swimming and playing lacrosse and I just started getting bigger and a neighbor suggested I go out for the football team when I was in fourth grade.
When did you start to realize you had a chance to play college football? I had a growth spurt when I was a sophomore. I grew from 6-2 to 6-4 and that’s when I got my frame. After that spurt is when the coaches started to tell me I had opportunities to continue playing football if I wanted to.
Why Old Dominion? It’s close to home, but mainly the coaches and the camaraderie the team has.
As a rising sophomore, how important was spring practice for you? The spring for me was kind of a milestone. I stepped into a starting role. I proved to myself that I can play as long as I stay mentally sharp.
What are you excited about with the move to FBS and Conference USA? We always stress to respect every opponent but fear none and we are excited to be playing the big schools. But, we also have a chip on our shoulder to go out there and compete.
What is it like to play in front of a sold out Foreman Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium? It’s electric. You can’t explain it to someone until you do it. When I was redshirted I was told your going to be so happy you went through that year because running through tunnel is amazing, and it was and then some.
Favorite Food? New York strip or T-bone steak.
Favorite Restaurant? Norfolk Chop House or Jersey Mike’s.
Favorite sport other than football? Lacrosse. I played lacrosse all through high school.
Favorite athlete? Owen Schmitt. I loved his old school throwback mentality.
What is your major? Marketing.