Benedictine grad named D-III All-America

Coming off a strong sophomore campaign for John Carroll, Benedictine graduate and defensive tackle Conner Bogard was named as a thirdteam preseason All-American by D3football.com.

At the July 26 Ohio Athletic Conference football media day in Canton, John Carroll coach Rick Finotti made it clear the strength in his 2018 team resides along the defensive front.

“This is the group that will make us go,” said Finotti of his defensive line.

Finotti and first-year defensive coordinator Joe Schaefer have the luxury of the entire group back from 2017. Among that group is junior Conner Bogard of Benedictine.

On July 30, Bogard received a high honor heading into JCU’s regular-season opener Sept. 1 at Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Bogard was a third-team pick at defensive tackle on D3football.com’s Division III preseason All-America team.

Bogard, 6-foot-1, 255 pounds, had a big season last season as a sophomore. He made 53 tackles, 11 for a loss and six sacks during the Blue Streaks’ 6-4 campaign. He was a first-team all-OAC pick. Bogard was productive as a freshman, as he made 43 tackles, 5 1/2 for loss and two sacks.

This season is a reunion between Schaefer and Bogard. Schaefer coached Bogard at Benedictine, and in 2014, the two helped the Bengals win the Division IV state championship.

JCU’s strength on the defensive line goes well beyond Bogard, as the team returns all its starters from a year ago. That includes seniors Jimmy Thomas (6-1, 235), Adam Thompson (61, 255) and 2016 D3football. com All-America selection Ray Brown (6-2, 240). Also returning is talented junior Tyler Frederick (6-1, 280).

There’s also top-notch talent in reserve with converted linebacker Luke Milsap (6-4, 235) and Mentor grad Trevor Morrison (5-10, 230).