After redshirting last season, former Serra High star quarterback Conner Preston is primed to make a big impact for the SMU Mustangs in 2012. With J..J. McDermott graduating and Kyle Padron transferring, the starting quarterback position is Preston’s for the taking. The expected arrival of former Texas quarterback Garrett Gilbert in June should raise the competition but we anticipate Preston seizing the reigns under center.
At Serra, Preston was a real gun slinger, racking up numerous records and leading his school to 29 straight wins, two Southern Section titles and a CIF State Championship. Preston enjoyed an arsenal of receivers including current USC stars Robert Woods, George Farmer and Marqise Lee during his reign of dominance in the CIF Southern Section.
Stepping into June Jones wide open passing attack should be a comfortable transition for the signal caller. We had the good fortune to catch up with Connor as he prepares for the upcoming season. On the prospect of playing in Jones offense, Preston stated that, “It’s a dream come true for a quarterback that wants to sling the football, its what we did best at Serra and I’m glad I get to continue that type of play at the college level.”
Preston has maintained a good friendship with his former wideouts. “I talk to all of them on a regular basis. There are so many Serra players playing in college right now, it’s exciting.” After highlights like the sick touchdown pass below, it's no wonder Preston remains close to his thankful wide receivers. CLA dug this footage from the archives during Preston & Farmer's junior seasons. Robert Woods is #2 in case you were wondering.
On the success of Heisman hopeful Robert Woods, Preston offered, “I think Robert is an incredible football player. I can’t say I’m surprised at all though. He’s a great player, a great teammate and a great person and I’m really happy for his success. He deserves it.”
For all his success on the field, Preston is quite the student. He maintained a 4.3 GPA in high school and has a firm understanding of the importance of hard work and sacrifice. Preston’s advice to future athletes is simple, “take the same attitude and work ethic you have on the field and apply it to every aspect of your life.”
Preston’s commitment to excellence was evident during his legendary tenure at Serra.
“When other kids were out doing what they wanted, my receivers and I were up on weekends running routes and watching film and to get to the next level you need the grades and so its just something we made sure got taken care of.”
On the potential quarterback competition ahead, Preston is locked and loaded. “I feel really good. I just have to take things one day at a time work on my game every day and do my best and I think I’ll be exactly where I want to be.”
