Conner Neill of Maize South was chosen for the Shelter Insurance Athlete of the Month for August. He was an honorable mention all-league and all-state selection last year, where he racked up 70 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

“My expectations for myself are to be the best leader that I can be on and off the field for my teammates and classmates,” Neill said. “I’m expecting to have a really good season this year and I’m extremely excited for it.”

While Neill is a solid player, with number to back it up, he spent the offseason trying to be a better athlete.

“I think I’m a pretty balanced player,” Neill said. “I’ve got strength, speed, including good lateral speed and physicality. This offseason I’ve been training hard to improve on my overall athleticism.”

Neill learned some lessons last season as one of the leaders of the Mavericks’ defense and he hopes to teach those lessons to some of the younger players this season.

“One thing I took away from last year is to never get too comfortable as a defense, Neills said. “I feel like there were many times as a defense that we got too comfortable and let up plays that shouldn’t have happened. I think that’s a big thing to teach the younger players as we get into the season, to never get too comfortable or you’re going to get caught sleeping.”