Gannon junior Khayree Connors-McChristian has the task of playing the "Superman" or strong safety position for Gannon this season./Photo by Jack Hanrahan of the Erie Times-News
Last season, Matthew Neal-Mink wore the red cape.
Now it’s Khayree Connors-McChristian’s turn to play the role of “Superman” for the Gannon University defense.
The Knights’ redshirt junior will play strong safety, or “Superman” position for the Knights this season.
“The ‘Superman’ is a guy that can adapt to any situation no matter who we play,” Connors-McChristian said.
The irony of this is Connors-McChristian is replacing someone he played against in high school in New Jersey. Neal-Mink’s Moorestown lost to Connors-McChristian’s Winslow Township when they were seniors.
“It’s a position that (defensive coordinator Brad Rzyczycki) can move me around to fit the scheme of the defense,” Connors-McChristian said. “You can be deep half (zone) guy. You can be a deep middle (zone). You can be a guy that can play linebacker. That’s mainly the reason we call it ‘Superman.’”
The position is hybrid one. Play safety, but also line up close to the line of scrimmage like a linebacker. Mercyhurst College has the same type of position called Laker that senior Ian Wild has thrived in on its defense.
Wild earned first-team All-PSAC West honors last season.
“It’s a big role,” Connors-McChristian said. “The ‘Superman’ has the ability to do the above and beyond and he has to take on that role.”