Western Carolina University

2021 (Redshirt Sophomore*): Splitting time between tight end and offensive line, officially saw action in three games ... Did not record any official statistics ... Named to the 2021-22 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll and received a SoCon Commissioner's Medal.

020-21 (Redshirt Sophomore): Played in six of the team’s nine seasonal games on the season between offense and special teams … Opened the year working with the offensive line before moving over to tight end where he saw action as a lead blocker … Converted back to offensive line before the end of the season … Did not record any official statistics ... Named to the 2020-21 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

2019 (Redshirt Freshman): Saw action in two games on special teams and as a reserve along the offensive line … Made his collegiate debut at home against Samford (Nov. 16) while also seeing playing time on the road at nationally-ranked Alabama (Nov. 23).

2018 (Freshman): Did not see game action, taking a redshirt.

Prior to Western Carolina: Was a two-time Northwestern 3A/4A Conference selection – once along the offensive line as a junior and along the defensive line as a senior … Was a part of a Watauga High offense that averaged 331.6 yards per game with 74 touchdowns scored while blocking for a pair of 1,000-yard rushers in 2017 … On defense, recorded 44 tackles including 10.5 for loss with a pair of sacks ... High school coach was Ryan Habich … Also played basketball as a prep.

Personal: Full name is Alexander Raven McConnell … Is the son of Kim and Jim McConnell … Is a first-generation college student in his family.