June 19, 2008

 

Two years after taking over the starting job, Pitt kicker Conor Lee has quickly become one of the nation’s best. Lee became an offensive weapon for the Panthers last season, breaking the record for consecutive extra points and currently is the Big East leader in field goal percentage. Lee is also a candidate for the Lou Groza award this coming season. Pittsburghpanthers.com was able to sit down with Lee to talk about the offseason, the upcoming season and his plans for the future.

 

 How’s the summer going? Have you had some time to take it easy?

 “It’s been going well but there really isn’t much time to relax. I’ve been at the complex almost every day focusing on football and school. It’s my last year so I want to finish it off strong.”

 

What types of conditioning and workouts do you complete during the offseason?

 “We do a variety of different exercises. Sprinting, lifting and jumps are some of the main ones. As a kicker, I also focus on workouts called explosive movements, which can really improve my game.”

 

 Are there different workout schedules for kickers than for running backs, receivers, cornerbacks?

 “All the players are on the same schedule and we all basically practice at the same time. However there is some tweaking in what the different positions focus on.”

 

 How much can the workouts prepare you physically and mentally for the upcoming season?

 “I think they are vital to success. You must have a good offseason in order to have a great regular season. You really have to take all workouts seriously.”

 

Other than team workouts/conditioning, how can you prepare yourself for the new season?

 “I try to focus on the mental part of the game. I think reading and visualizing can definitely help me since I am a kicker. I also try to keep my body as healthy and strong as I can.”

 

How did you eventually decide that being a kicker was the best position for you?

 “I started kicking when I was younger and did pretty well at it. I just eventually fell in love with it.”

 

 What is it like playing for the local Panthers after growing up in nearby Upper St. Clair?

 “Growing up, I actually really never had a favorite team. Pitt and Coach Junko kept visiting me time after time and the school just grew on me. It began to feel like home.”

 

Your brother Sean is a great player for Penn State. What is it like having one brother play at Pitt and the other play at Penn State?

 “It’s a lot of fun. We always root hard for each other to do well. We talk to each other almost every day and give encouragement and advice back and forth all the time.”

 

 Coming into this season, you are a Lou Groza candidate, what does that mean to you?

 “It means a lot to me, it shows me I have come a long way as a kicker. However, winning is much more important to me than any award or personal accomplishment.”

 

You are currently at 75 consecutive extra points, breaking the previous Pitt record last season. Were you aware that you were approaching a new record?

 “I knew about it but I thought it was made to be a bigger deal than it should have been. Extra points should be givens in a game. There’s a lot more that goes into each attempt than just me kicking the ball. It’s a total team effort.”

 

 When you’re getting set for a field goal or extra point what exactly is going through your head? Do you still get nervous before an attempt?

 “Honestly, you really don’t know what’s going on until after you kick the ball. It’s weird and hard to explain, it’s like you’re in a kicker’s zone.”

 

 As a senior this season, do you see yourself as a leader for the rest of the team?

 “It’s tough because I am not always on the field with the rest of the team. I work extremely hard and try to lead by example and hope it rubs off on the other players.”

 

 Does the team seem like it’s ready to break out? What’s the feeling amongst the players for this coming season?

 “I think there definitely is excitement but there is also caution. We all know we need to take care of business and get over the hump. We have been in the same position before and not been able to get it done so everyone wants to take that next step.”

 

 Do you have a great moment that has stuck with you since you have been at Pitt?

 “Definitely the West Virginia game last year was an awesome moment. It is a great rivalry and it felt so great to beat them in that game.”

 

 What goals would you still like to accomplish before you graduate from Pitt next spring?

 “I think the biggest accomplishment would be to win a Big East title. You can break all the records you want but no one remembers that. Everyone wants to be part of a team that accomplishes something great.”

 

 What would you like to do once your career at Pitt is finished?

“Well, currently I am working on my MBA so I look forward to completing that. I am also getting married in January, which will keep me busy. Obviously, I would love to play in the NFL but I would enjoy owning my own business as well. It would be fun to be able to make big decisions.”