A TEAM-FIRST MENTALITY
Dodger Carver sees individual honors as a group achievement
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Connor Carver is on the verge of joining an elite statistical club of Fort Dodge quarterbacks.
Forgive the Dodger senior if he only celebrates passing the 3,000-yard mark for his career in victory.
Carver doesn't pay much attention to his personal numbers, even as he continues to climb the program's all-time charts. The Bemidji State University recruit needs just 32 yards to join Drake Miller, Randy Reiners and Andrew Stover in Fort Dodge's small group of signal-callers to clear the 3,000 hurdle.
"I don't have set individual goals, really," said Carver, a third team all-state selection in 2021. "I've been more worried about how we are performing as a team, and I think that's led things to sort of falling in place for me.
"As a whole, I want to do something that no other Fort Dodge football team has ever done. That starts with going 1-0 each week and continuing to improve every day. (Statistics and records) have never been a priority, even though it is honestly surreal considering I grew up watching guys like Drake Miller. But I could go out and throw for 4,000 yards and it doesn't mean anything if we can't push through to that next level and attain what we've set out to accomplish."
The 6-foot-2, 194-pound co-captain has thrown for 626 yards and eight touchdowns through the Dodgers' first three games, while also rushing for a team-best 240 yards and a score at nearly 10 yards per carry. Carver currently ranks second in passing touchdowns, second in completions and third in offensive yards for Class 4A as FDSH (1-2 overall) gets ready to face Marshalltown (1-2) at home this week.
"I've been lucky enough to surround myself with those older guys who led before me. I saw what it really takes and how much you have to invest in the game to really get what you want out of it," Carver said. "But that's also (helped) me become a better leader, and I think right now, we have a great group of captains. It makes it a whole lot easier being able to step on the field every day with those guys."
Carver chose Bemidji State, a Div. II program in northern Minnesota, after carefully researching the school and its resources.
"At first I had very little knowledge about the place, but the more I to talked to people, it seemed like everyone I knew somehow had a tie to Bemidji and every single person had something good to say about it," Carver said. "It's a beautiful place. I love the drive up there, love the town and it's an absolutely awesome location. Who wouldn't want to play 200 feet away from a lake?
"The coaching staff is a hard-working group that wants to win and what's best for you I've been on multiple visits there now, and each time, it gets better."
Carver has always appreciated his time as a Dodger and what it represents.
"(Former FDSH head coach Sam Moser) said, 'we're not the biggest, we're not the fastest, and we're sure as hell not the best looking, but by God, we'll beat your butt any day of the week.' I think that quote sums up what it means to be a Dodger pretty well; toughness and grit are something built into us. That's what sets us apart from a lot of other places."
With six regular-season games left -- including four at home -- Carver is only focused on cementing the legacy of his class and teammates through commitment and perseverance.
"I want to be remembered for going my hardest every play no matter the situation, because I believe that's what sets great leaders apart: being able to back up what your trying to get your team to do," Carver said. "Play with heart, have pride in wearing that Dodger jersey, and never back down from any challenge."
TIMEOUT WITH CONNOR CARVER
Vacation: Bora Bora.
People I would like to have dinner with: Papa Bob and Dave Goggins.
It would surprise people that I: love Frank Sinatra music.
My sports role model: Troy Polamalu.
My everyday role model: my parents.
I can't go a day without:
Pillsbury mini chocolate chip cookies.
Nickname: Sunshine.
Superstition: don't split the pole.
Most heated rivalry: Ames.
Favorite road trip: Georgia.
What are you listening to right now? "Santeria" by Sublime.
Favorites…
Team: Flint Tropics.
Athlete: Paddy Pimblett.
Class: Tech and Theory of Coaching with Mrs. Adams.
Movie: Interstellar.
Book: "Discipline Equals Freedom."
Phone app: Hudl.