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University of New Hampshire Athletics
Athlete Awards
82
Neil O'Connor
- Award:
- Men's Spotlight
- Week:
- 5/13/2019
- Sport:
- Football
- Bio:
- View Full Bio
Neil O'Connor, a senior wide receiver from Leominster, Massachusetts, was honored as a recipient of the Jim Urquhart Student-Athlete of the Year at UNH's annual banquet on May 7.
Neil is one of the most prolific pass catchers in UNH football history. This wide receiver ended his career with 235 receptions for 3,117 yards, both of which rank third on New Hampshire’s all-time leaderboard. He scored 19 touchdowns and also threw for one TD.
Neil is a five-time All-American and was named a finalist for the 2017 Walter Payton Award as the nation’s top player in FCS. His other accolades included ECAC First Team, All-New England Team, and All-CAA First team, as well as CAA Academic Team and CAA Commissioners Academic Honor Roll.
He had a breakout year as a junior in ’17, when he led UNH in receptions (97), receiving yards (1,396) and receiving TDs (10), as well as all-purpose yards (1,510) and points (60); he averaged 14.4 yards per reception and 99.7 receiving yards per game. Those numbers are No. 2 in receptions and No. 4 in receiving yards on the program’s all-time leaderboard.
On the national leaderboard, Neil ranked No. 3 in receiving yards, 11th in receptions per game and receiving yards per game, and 14th in receiving TDs. He led he CAA in receptions, receiving yards, receiving yards/game and receiving TDs; was also No. 5 in all-purpose yards/game.
As a senior, Neil once again led the ‘Cats in receptions (71), receiving yards (814) and receiving TDs (three). The 71 receptions tied for 10th on UNH's list of single-season superlatives. He ranked 13th in the nation with a CAA-leading 6.5 receptions per game. The wideout also ranked third in the conference in both receiving yards and receiving yards per game.
Neil who will receive a degree in Business Management, exemplifies what a true Wildcat is: an extremely hard worker, outstanding player, and great role model and teammate.
Neil is one of the most prolific pass catchers in UNH football history. This wide receiver ended his career with 235 receptions for 3,117 yards, both of which rank third on New Hampshire’s all-time leaderboard. He scored 19 touchdowns and also threw for one TD.
Neil is a five-time All-American and was named a finalist for the 2017 Walter Payton Award as the nation’s top player in FCS. His other accolades included ECAC First Team, All-New England Team, and All-CAA First team, as well as CAA Academic Team and CAA Commissioners Academic Honor Roll.
He had a breakout year as a junior in ’17, when he led UNH in receptions (97), receiving yards (1,396) and receiving TDs (10), as well as all-purpose yards (1,510) and points (60); he averaged 14.4 yards per reception and 99.7 receiving yards per game. Those numbers are No. 2 in receptions and No. 4 in receiving yards on the program’s all-time leaderboard.
On the national leaderboard, Neil ranked No. 3 in receiving yards, 11th in receptions per game and receiving yards per game, and 14th in receiving TDs. He led he CAA in receptions, receiving yards, receiving yards/game and receiving TDs; was also No. 5 in all-purpose yards/game.
As a senior, Neil once again led the ‘Cats in receptions (71), receiving yards (814) and receiving TDs (three). The 71 receptions tied for 10th on UNH's list of single-season superlatives. He ranked 13th in the nation with a CAA-leading 6.5 receptions per game. The wideout also ranked third in the conference in both receiving yards and receiving yards per game.
Neil who will receive a degree in Business Management, exemplifies what a true Wildcat is: an extremely hard worker, outstanding player, and great role model and teammate.
Date | Athlete | Sport |
|---|---|---|
| 10/6/2025 | Ruth White | Women's Cross Country |
| 10/6/2025 | Zachary Hooper | Men's Cross Country |
| 9/29/2025 | Nicole Poulakis | Field Hockey |
| 9/29/2025 | Matt Vezza | Football |
| 9/22/2025 | Ruth White | Women's Cross Country |
| 9/22/2025 | Chase Wilson | Football |
| 9/15/2025 | Kathelijne Knuttel | Field Hockey |
| 9/15/2025 | Scott Williams | Men's Soccer |
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