Connor Chech (seated) signs a letter-of-intent to play football at Midland University (Fremont, Nebraska) Friday morning with Carson High football coaches Vic Castro and Blair Roman.
Perseverance has paid off for Carson High senior Connor Chech.
The 6-foot 230-pound defensive end has signed a letter of intent to attend Midland University, a NAIA school in Fremont, Neb.
The signing culminated a whirlwind travel tour through Nebraska and Kansas for the family. Chech also visited Bethany College in Kansas, Graceland University, University of St. Mary’s and Sterling before making a final decision recently.
“A lot of things went into it (the decision),” Chech said in a phone interview. “Their facilities were more up to date than the others, they have the major I want (osteopathic medicine) and I liked the head coach (Jeff Jamrog).
“The program was 1-8 in conference last year. They (new coaching staff) are trying to rebuild the program and I want to be a part of that. That was one of the big factors. I also got a chance to meet the strength coach, who does a training thing every morning at 6. He works a lot on flexibility.”
Chech said he considered going to school closer, but admitted he didn’t particularly like California or its politics.
“I like the location (of Midland). It’s about 30 miles from Omaha. People are friendly and the campus is beautiful. It has an old red brick feel to it. The biggest town (where he visited a school) was 35,000. I don’t like big cities.”
Chech is one of approximately 65 recruits brought in by Jamrog, who was hired in December. Chech, who missed several games late in the year because of a hip flexor, finished with 23 tackles and a sack last season. His best game was a five-tackle effort against Bishop Manogue in a 44-13 win.
“I’m not sure where they are going to play me,” Chech said. “Either defensive end or defensive line.”
Jamrog said where Chech plays will be determined when he will get to camp in August.
“We’re not quite sure where on the defensive side of the ball he’ll end up,” Jamrog said. “It will be interesting to see where he ends up when all is said and done.
“He’s a high-effort kid with a good motor. He is obviously a talented young man. He does all the right things on the field, in the classroom and off the field. We know he’ll do things the right way, and he’ll get better because of his attitude.”
Midland fields both a varsity and JV team. Jamrog said the JV squad will play five or six games next fall.
“Some will come in and play varsity, and some freshmen will come in and play JV,” Jamrog said. “We don’t usually redshirt people. We like to graduate people in four years. Most people play right away.”
Chech, according to Carson head coach Blair Roman, is proof positive scholarships are available if you’re willing to put in the time.
“Connor was really patient and did his homework on schools that would be a fit for him,” Roman said. “He’s a great example of a lot of kids I’ve coached that had really good senior years, and if you have enough talent, and you have solid grades you can find a place to lay collegiate football if you have an open mind geographically.
“I spoke to Midland coaches some time ago, and they really liked Connor’s strength and discipline on the field. He really did his job all season long and became a key part of our defense this season. He’s a tough player with pretty good size who was really steady for us, and I think Midland sees the same qualities in him as I do.”
