Connolly is a 6-3, 255, Freshman defensive lineman from Campo Verde HS, Gilbert, AZ. Selected as a PrepStar All-West Region performer after recording 90 tackles with 7 for a loss and 5 sacks as a senior. Here is some analysis on Connolly from azdesertswarm:
Connolly is listed at 6'3" 255 lbs, and on tape his size stands out. The Wildcats look to be getting a defensive lineman that has long arms and although he played majority of the time at defensive tackle he will probably slide in as a defensive end in Jeff Casteel's unique 3-3-5 defensive scheme. In that scheme, it requires all 11 players to play quick, fast and to hustle to the football; all noticeable strengths in Connolly's film. Connolly usually wins on the snap as his first step sets up his swim move that he uses with both arms. On the off chance that he is blocked, Connolly likes to utilize a spin move to shed and pursue the ball until the whistle is blown.
While these are overall positives that Connolly posses in his game, he needs to play with consistent leverage and pad level. His tape is slightly inconsistent in that he alternates between popping out of his stance too high causing the offensive lineman to stop his momentum or firing off the ball properly, low and under the offensive lineman's pads, to gain leverage. To overcome some of this inconsistency, his best friend like all freshman recruits should be the weight room if he wants to compete for immediate playing time.
“Finton is a true Wildcat. He was our first commit of this class. He’s a true blue-collar, hard-working guy that we really feel has a lot of room for growth. You cannot emphasize enough his strength and motor that is going to be a good factor for him down the road.” – UA Coach Charlie Ragle
91 is also Daniel Jenkins' Arizona record for the longest run from scrimmage set in 2012.
