As Army closed out a thrilling 17-11 football victory over Navy last December, senior Connor Finucane had the realization that his college football days were over.
“I thought the safety that (quarterback) Bryson (Daily) took to ice the game against Navy was the last football snap I’d ever play,’’ he said. “That’s like a completely different life change.’’
Not so fast.
Finucane was prepping paperwork for his commissioning as an officer when it was determined he had to take medical leave from January to May, away from the Academy – that meant he would not be completing his final semester at West Point, and a rare fall semester would be needed to fulfill his December graduation requirements. That also meant he would be eligible for a fifth year of college football, like all of the other college athletes who had to endure the COVID restrictions that started in 2020.
Army offensive lineman Connor Finucane (60) lines up against Florida Atlantic.
So with the blessing of Academy and West Point athletics officials, Finucane has returned to action, providing a stabilizing force and effective presence on an offensive line that is putting up historic numbers.
“There’s really no better feeling to be back and hanging out with the guys, be back in the program,’’ Finucane said. “Where I thought I played my last snap, I get a whole other season.’’
In spring preparation for transitioning from a behemoth football player to a more lean officer and soldier, Finucane dropped more than 50 pounds, down to 245 – he said it’s the only way to succeed in air assault school and complete the required cadet obstacle course training.
But then the news came that he could play one more season, and Finucane jumped at the opportunity. He had to get back into the weight room and started powering high-caloric drinks and dairy…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/army-senior-connor-finucane-making-001959245.html
Author : Times Herald-Record
Publish date : 2024-10-04 00:19:59
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