When a football team puts up some prolific rushing numbers, the running backs will always get the press. But the rushing lanes had to be opened up by some space eaters. Last year, Bellarmine rushed for 3,618 yards or 258 yards per game which accounted for a 11-2-1 record and Central Coast Section Open Division championship.
One of the main reasons for the ground game is Connor Lambert, who is going into his junior year at right tackle. As a sophomore, this Bell was All-WCAL second team. For his junior year, Lambert wants to be a leader on the offensive line as he will be protecting his left handed quarterback's blind side. His team goal is to win the league, section, and have another shot at the state title.
At 6-foot-1 and 240 pounds, Lambert has been a varsity starter for two years. He was a starter at the age of 14. This Bell can run 5.37 seconds in the 40-yard dash, has a shuttle time of 4.78 seconds, can bench press 290 pounds, front squat 340 pounds, and has a vertical of 24 inches.
Bellarmine HS Coach Mike Janda says, "Connor started every game last year as a sophomore. His traits include his maturity, experience, tenacity, and intelligence. On the field, he is very determined, a good learner, good leader, and hard worker."
The Bells run a double-wing offense that requires the tackle to be quick enough to pull and trap. Bellarmine's offense is very run focused that requires the offensive linemen to use proper steps and techniques to push the defensive linemen off the ball, as well as be fast enough to pull around and block a cornerback on a sweep. Hence, the Bells' offense depends on the offensive line heavily. As a result, Lambert considers run blocking as his best skill as he understands that it is important to stay low and keep on his blocks to open the lane for his running backs.
Lambert is playing his fifth year of organized football as he started at the Jr. Midgets of the West Valley Pop Warner League. During the summer, he had intense summer sessions and practices, which focused on his footwork and quickness that he needs to protect his quarterback. He compares himself to former San Francisco Harris Barton because he was a quality athlete and a good man.
Agile and big linemen are definitely a premium. Lambert wants to play either offensive guard/tackle or defensive tackle/end in college. He is looking for a quality football program with good academics.
This Bell does not have a strict geographical preference. Academically, Lambert has a 3.30 GPA and has not taken the SATs. He would like to major in Business as his favorite subject is History. Coach Janda says, "Connor is a fairly quiet, young man and solid student."
Aside from football, he is also a defenseman on the ice hockey team at Bellarmine. He is interested in film and movie making as well. Look for this Bell to be starring in his WCAL games this season.
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