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University of Minnesota Athletics
Gopher Talk With Michael Conway
9/7/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
Gopher wide receiver Michael Conway talks about switching from quarterback to receiver, advice for freshmen, basketball and other hobbies in this latest Gopher talk.
GopherSports: What did you do this offseason?
Michael Conway: Primarily, we just came out here and worked as a group, tried to get our timing and the camaraderie going. We had to learn the new offense and playbook. I was just trying to get the body right and stay healthy.
GS: What went into the process of switching from quarterback to receiver?
MC: It actually was not my choice. I came in as a quarterback, but I had injured my shoulder and saw a few specialists. For some reason whenever I threw it just was painful. Eventually it started sending these shocks down my arm. They cut me off for a week and then during that week my freshman year they transitioned me to receiver. That was a big change because I had to focus on things I never had to focus on. I never had to think about lining up before. I had never lined up anywhere other than behind the center. I had to work on stance, post-snap reads like blocking and I have never blocked before in my life.
GS: How do you feel that it has been now that you are more comfortable as a wide receiver?
MC: I feel like it's been going pretty well as long as I stay healthy. That seems to be a plague of mine. I had hip surgery and pulled a hamstring a few times. Other than that, I feel like I have grown into the position.
GS: What do you hope to accomplish this year?
MC: I feel like as a group we all want to accomplish the same thing. I feel like as a team, to become closer than we have been in the past. I think that will boost us as a team.
GS: What advice do you have for freshman?
MC: Invest in the people around you. You remember the friendships that you make. You remember the people around you more than you do the actual schematics of everything around you.
GS: What made you decide on Minnesota?
MC: I just loved it here. I love the city. I love the school. A big part was the Big Ten education. When I came here it just felt like home. There was just something about here that felt so welcoming. It felt like the right fit.
GS: What's your favorite place to eat on campus?
MC: I don't know if I have a favorite. I have been trying to cook a little myself and bake a little here and there so I would say maybe my own apartment.
GS: You played basketball in high school, do you and your teammates ever get out and play?
MC: Yeah, actually some of the most intense basketball competitions are within the football team. The only rule really is you don't call fouls. That's what it feels like anyway. We like to get together and compete a little bit on the court.
GS: Who is the best player?
MC: That's tough. I would say the best player that I have had to go against is probably Briean Boddy-Calhoun when he was here.
GS: What are some of your hobbies outside of football?
MC: A lot of people don't know but I like to draw in my free time. I have picked up the piano here and there. I like to read and I am kind of old school with the video games. I play the original Xbox, NFL Street and Smash Bros.
