MIAMI (July 3, 2019) – Next up in our Q&A series with FIU football is offensive lineman Dallas Connell. The Panther anchors one of the best offensive line groups in the C-USA as Connell has cemented himself as FIU's dependable center. 

A Jacksonville, Florida native, Connell played and started in 12 games last season as he helped the offensive line allow an FIU low eight sacks on the year. Following the 2018 season, Connell was named to the All-CUSA Honorable Mention Team on offense. Connell is now preparing for a big senior season at FIU, as he took time to sit down with FIUSports.com for a little back-and-forth Q&A.

Q: What's it like playing for Coach Butch Davis?
A: "Playing for Coach Davis is the best thing you can ask for as a player. He's a player's coach and knows what it takes to win. He brings the best out of you and the team.

Q: What was your favorite moment from last season?
A: "My favorite moment from last season was beating Middle Tennessee and celebrating after Olin caught the interception at the end of the game."

Q: What does it mean to set a school record for lowest sacks last year?
A: "We take great pride in setting that record. It puts emphasis on our training and how well we work together as a unit."

Q: What did it mean to be on the C-USA Honorable Mention Team?
A: "To me it just means that I have to continue to strive to be better and prove a lot of people wrong this upcoming season."

Q: What are your goals for 2019?
A: "My goal for this upcoming season is to win a conference championship and help contribute to the best offense in FIU history."

Q: How is James Morgan as a leader on and off the field?
A: 'I would describe James as the same leader on and off the field. He goes above and beyond so that the team can be as successful as possible. He always puts others before himself and does anything to help someone else get better."

Q: Describe your fashion style
A: "My fashion style is like a suburban dad. No sandals though."

Q: Favorite food establishment in Miami?
A: "Sports Grill, I'm a big wing guy."

Q: What would your rap name be?
A: "Duval Dally."

Q: What's your favorite meme?
A: "Elon Musk memes."



As a reminder, season tickets for the 2019 FIU football season are now on sale. For more information, or to order your tickets by phone, please call (305) FIU-GAME.

Click Here To Purchase Season Tickets

Entering its 18th year of football in 2019, the FIU Panthers are coming off a program-best nine wins a season ago. FIU capped 2018 with a 35-32 victory over Toledo in the Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl to finish the season 9-4 overall. Under legendary head coach Butch Davis, the Panthers have earned back-to-back bowl appearances and 17 wins in the last two years.
 
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