Connor Wilkie, a 6-foot-5, 200-pound junior quarterback from Andover (MN) High, is perhaps the state’s most talented signal caller.
Connor Wilkie, a 6-foot-5, 200-pound junior quarterback from Andover (MN) High, is perhaps the state’s most talented signal caller. He may also been one of the consistent as he has thrown three touchdowns in all four games this year. Wilkie has attended the past two Minnesota Golden Gopher home football games and recently talked to GopherHole.com about his junior season and early recruitment.
Wilkie has completed 43 of 73 passes for 690 yards and 12 touchdowns. He completed 19 of 30 passes for 256 yards in a 24-23 loss to Edina in the opener. Wilkie converted on 17 of 31 attempts for 303 yards in a 27-20 loss to Anoka.
He was 13 of 21 for 177 yards in a 34-13 win over Coon Rapids. Wilkie completed 13 of 21 passes for 210 yards in a 21-14 win over Elk River last week.
Wilkie started as a sophomore, completing 78 of 146 passes for 628 yards with six touchdowns and five interceptions.
Gopher Hole: You played in one of the toughest conferences in the state. What are the expectations for the rest of the year?
Connor Wilkie: We want to get some big wins coming up. We have a few games marked on our calendar that we want to win. We just need to keep playing as a team. Our running game is coming around. Our pass game is doing well. If we keep doing what we are doing, we are going to win some games this year.
Gopher Hole: How about your play so far this year?
Connor Wilkie: It is not just me. Our line has been doing fantastic. Our pass blocking is something else right now. Our receivers are making plays, so we have played pretty well.
Gopher Hole: What camps did you get a chance to go to this summer?
Connor Wilkie: I went to the University of South Dakota camp and then I went to the Gopher camp.
Gopher Hole: I know that it is still early, being only a junior, but what schools are you hearing from right now?
Connor Wilkie: I have only heard from UND and the Gophers right now.
Gopher Hole: What things are you really working on to continue to improve yourself as a player?
Connor Wilkie: My foot work. My speed and strength is a big one right now. I really want to get faster in the offseason. My foot work in the pocket. I can move around and make some plays and keep players alive.
Gopher Hole: Do you come from a football family?
Connor Wilkie: My oldest brother plays college football at the University of Mary in North Dakota. My dad has been coaching high school football for about 20 years, so it is a big part.
Gopher Hole: Have you thought about camps for next year?
Connor Wilkie: I obviously want to go to the Gopher one again. I will go to UND and South Dakota one. If I get an invites, I’ll probably go.
Gopher Hole: What do you see as your strengths as a quarterback?
Connor Wilkie: Obviously, I am more of a passer than a runner, but I like to go downfield and keep plays alive.
Gopher Hole: Do you play any other sports at Andover?
Connor Wilkie: Yes. I also play basketball and I am the captain of the team.
Gopher Hole: At 6-foot-5, do you see your size being a big advantage to you in being able to see over linemen?
Connor Wilkie: Yes, it is an advantage. Right now, our lineman are about 5-11 or six foot. I am 6-5, so it is easy to see over the top, so it is a big advantage.