Recruiting Report: Drew Conte (2021)
After his first year of being a full-time starter, Annandale big man Drew Conte Drew Conte OL Annandale | 2021 State MN was excited to the chance to see some of the schools that have become interested in him after…
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Continue ReadingAfter his first year of being a full-time starter, Annandale big man
Drew Conte
Drew
Conte
OL
Annandale | 2021
State
MN
was excited to the chance to see some of the schools that have become interested in him after playing both ways on a team that fell just one game short of the Prep Bowl. Despite the obvious delays in recruiting, Conte has generated interest from Division II and III schools across the Midwest.
“We all worked hard to get to where we were (the AAA state semi-finals),” Conte said. “We all banded together and got through it. We all wanted to get to US Bank Stadium. We all worked a lot in the season and offseason.”
Playing in the trenches, Conte had a hand in both the Cardinals’ strengths.
“We were a hard-running offense,” Conte said. “We had a big offensive line and pounded the ball. On defense, we stopped everybody. We were strong on third down, and we turned the ball over.”
“I played both ways,” Conte continued. “I always started at guard on offense. I sometimes started on defense, but I played mainly offense.”
Conte’s role expanded from his sophomore season.
“I started a few games at defensive tackle my sophomore year, but this was my first year starting for the whole year.”
Offensively, the 6’2″ 270-pound lineman played a handful of positions.
“Depending on the formation, sometimes I was right guard, sometimes left,” Conte said. “Sometimes, I would line up somewhere else, but usually, I was right guard.”
Viewing his highlights, it is obvious where Conte excels.
“My strength is in the running game – getting the person in front of me to move so the running back can get through the hole. On defense, I would either play nose or defensive tackle. My strength there is I am as physical as possible.”
Conte knows where he needs to improve for his senior year.
“I need to work on my endurance,” Conte admitted. “I have been going for runs to get in better shape than I was this year. I have been doing the things I don’t like to do – like running – to make me a better player.”
Part of his get in shape plan included a new sport.
“For the first time, this winter, I wrestled – just to be with my friends and stay in shape,” NFN’s 93rd ranked junior said. “It was a fun season. I got to practice with the team and wrestle a little on the JV. It got me into shape.”
Despite the obvious changes to the spring schedule, Conte is doing what he can to get ready for the fall.
“I was hoping to be in track, but obviously that is not happening. I have a weight set that I use. I try to hit every part of my body, and I go for runs about every day.”
With interest from schools numbering around twenty, Conte is ready to get into the recruiting process.
“It is exciting to get interest from all these schools – it is awesome. I am excited to visit some of the places to find a place to go for the next four years.”
Although no one can take visits, Conte has a feel for who is interested.
“St. Johns, Minnesota-Duluth, and Sioux Falls have been most interested so far.”
Those three schools especially like his physical play.
“Some of them say that on my tape, I look like I play really physical, and I can move people pretty easily.”
If Conte has another year like his junior year, the Cardinals might be in for another long playoff run, and he will be able to move into a college football program pretty easily too.