The Shelbyville High School football program has not sent an athlete to a college football program since 2018. On Wednesday, Axel Conover changed that by making his commitment to play football at Hanover College official.
“This is exciting,” said Conover. “I think this opens the eyes for a lot of guys on the team. They realize they can do it too and they can play at the next level.”
Brian Glesing, head coach of the Shelbyville football program in 2021 and 2022, first put the idea in Conover’s head.
“It all started with me going to camps. Coach Glesing was the first one here to talk to me about playing college football,” said Conover. “Then, I started putting stuff out there on Twitter (now known as ‘X’).
“Twitter is how you get recruited right now. And keep being persistent with coaches and talking to them. And if they don’t hit you back one time, you have to keep texting and emailing them.”
Conover developed a small list of schools to consider but Hanover stood out right away.
“It’s a beautiful campus,” he said. “I really connected with the coaches when I went on my first visit. I took an overnight visit and stayed with some of the guys and that really sold me.”
Conover recorded a team-high 64 total tackles and had three interceptions his senior year. In 2022, he had team-highs in rushing attempts, rushing yards and touchdowns and added 45 total tackles, second most on the defensive side of the ball, and an interception.
Hanover plans to use Conover as a safety.
“I think it will be tough,” he admitted. “It’s a big jump but I am excited for it.”
The son of Ken and Brenda Smith, Conover will major in Exercise Science with the goal of becoming a high school strength and conditioning coach.
“This decision is more than just about football,” said current Shelbyville football head coach Scott Fitzgerald to the large crowd in attendance Wednesday in the Golden Bear Room at the high school to support Conover. “This decision is about life. This decision is about where he is going to move on to.
“We know he is going to do fantastic things on the football field and we know he is going to do fantastic things in life. We look forward to having the opportunity to go down and see him play and represent the Golden Bears.”
Once the recruiting process was in full swing, Conover relied on current assistant football coach Pat Parks for direction.
“I was learning quickly how hard I had to work and then him working me that hard,” said Conover. “I realized this is what I want to do. I wanted to keep playing and didn’t want this to be my last year.”
Conover’s athletic career as a Golden Bear is complete. The goal now is to get ready for the transition to Hanover.
“I am keeping in the weight room,” he said. “I will keep working hard and enjoy my time of the last couple months being around here.”
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