When O’Connor is healthy, Titans feel good, too

Kris O’Connor can remember as if it were yesterday. The University back was running a counter to the strong side against Gonzaga Prep in the fourth week of the 2003 season.

“I came across and was going off my blocks, and Marcus Miller dove at the last second and buried his helmet in the outside of my knee,” O’Connor said.

The resultant medial collateral ligament tear, a week after he’d rushed for 218 yards, sidelined O’Connor for a month.

This season there was a déjÀ vu-like sense of dread for the third-year varsity team leader and his coaching staff. He’d averaged 10 yards a carry in five rushes against Ferris when he was tackled near the sideline and sprained his ankle.

“When the guy went to tackle me, he tied up my foot. It locked and I landed on it wrong,” O’Connor said.

By O’Connor’s admission, he’s a fast healer. The two-way standout was on the field two games later.

Call it coincidence if you like, but the Titans haven’t lost since. During four wins O’Connor gained 464 yards rushing on offense and has been a rock at outside linebacker on defense.

“Kris has been the catalyst for our team on both sides of the ball,” said Titans coach Mike Ganey. “It’s just his work ethic, in the spring for track and, in the summer, he lives in the weight room. He just brings that all onto the field.”

Last spring in track O’Connor was “Mr. Versatility” running the hurdles, throwing the discus and javelin.

Such multiplicity manifested itself in the annual Greasy Pig game against rival Central Valley last Friday. O’Connor gained nearly 100 yards, including a 38-yard touchdown sprint, and had double figures for tackles.U-Hi had lost twice to the Bears last year, following a four-game Titans winning streak.

He takes little credit for U-Hi’s recent run of grid success.

“I don’t think I’m the difference,” he said. “It was just a misfortune me and (receiver/defensive back) Mike Conrad getting hurt. I think those two injuries pulled the team together.”

There’s no question the 5-foot-10, 200-pounder enjoys playing football and wants to continue. He’s marketing himself to colleges and said that when he wrestles for the first time this winter, he’ll compete at 215 pounds so he can keep his weight up for that eventuality.