NAU's Tackling Machine and Lumberjacks' Defensive Anchor
Northern Arizona Lumberjacks linebacker Chris Connolly has been a tackling beast in the 2025 season, leading the Big Sky Conference with 112 tackles (8.0 per game), 12.5 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks through 14 games, showcasing elite run-stopping instincts and relentless motor that wears down offenses. His 6'2", 235-lb frame combines sideline-to-sideline range with a high football IQ, drawing comparisons to NFL grinder types; no major injury history and a gritty, team-first personality make him a plug-and-play fit for Power 5 defenses needing blue-collar leadership and consistent production.
