Joe Connolly - #27
Junior - K
5'9 - 170
Waltham, MA
Waltham HS

Joe Connolly took on the role of the Huskies' full-time kicker last year and is the favorite to hold the job in 1999. Connolly had some early season struggles, partly because he really hadn't kicked in two full years. After redshirting his first season on campus, he played backup to Brandon Hanes in 1997. Coach Gallup knows there is no substitute for experience, especially at the high-pressure role of kicker. Gallup likens Connolly's situation to that of former quarterback Jim Murphy, who started slow but improved with experience to be one of the greatest players in NU history. 1998: Started as placekicker...made 22-yarder in season opener against UNH...connected from 36 and 45 yards against Delaware...second on the team behind Dave Klemic in scoring with 48 points...named Atlantic 10 All-Academic. 1997: A part-timer for kickoff duties...made lone field goal attempt, connecting on a 27-yarder versus New Hampshire. 1996: Redshirt season. High School: Earned 10 letters during his career at Waltham High: three in football, three in skiing, two in track and two in lacrosse...chosen as All-Scholastic in football as a junior and senior...active in extracurricular activities, serving as president of Y.O.U. (Youth Opposed to Using). Personal: Born May 2, 1978... majoring in Business...Class of 2001. Career Highs: Long Field Goal, 45 vs. Delaware (10/3/98).