Bob Connelly
5/3/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
Bob Connelly
Offensive Line
* Third Year at Alabama (Jan. 7, 2003)
Starting his fourth campaign at Alabama, Tide offensive line coach Bob Connelly will look to fall practice to solidify an offensive line that returns four of five starters.
In 2005, Connelly was named one of the nation's Top 25 recruiters by Rivals.com and his offensive line helped running back Kenneth Darby became only the fourth back in Bama history to post back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons. With help from his offensive line teammates, Darby could become the first Alabama runner to have three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.
And the future looks bright for Connelly and his offensive line as Antoine Caldwell was named to Rivals.com's freshman All-America team last season. In 2004, Connelly tutored a pair of his starters, Wesley Britt and Evan Mathis, to All-SEC honors.
A two-time all-conference lineman for Texas A&M-Commerce, Connelly has been successful transferring his playing skills into the coaching arena. In 2004, Connelly's offensive line helped Alabama carve out the 20th best rushing attack in the country and the top rushing game in the SEC. The Crimson Tide also ranked second in the SEC in fewest sacks allowed. In 2003, Connelly's trench troops led a rushing attack that netted 2,067 yards, fourth best in the Southeastern Conference, and produced two All-SEC linemen. His 2002 squad allowed just 24 sacks in 424 attempts, while his 2001 unit gave-up 27 sacks in 434 attempts.
Following graduation from Newman-Smith High School in Carrolton, Texas in 1990, Connelly earned a bachelor of science degree in kinesiology and sports studies from Texas A&M-Commerce. He would later earn a masters in health, physical education and recreation. He was a three-time all-academic selection and earned all-conference honors as a
junior and senior. He was also a two-time academic All-America selection.
While finishing his graduate degree at A&M-Commerce, Connelly coached the offensive line and tight ends. He moved to Cisco Junior College from 1996-98, again coaching the offensive line and tight ends. In 1998, Connelly was a graduate assistant at Texas A&M; in 1999 at California State-Northridge and in 2000 moved to San Jose State where the Spartans rushed for 29 touchdowns and allowed just 11 sacks while attempting 382 passes in 12 games. Bob and his wife Racquel have two daughters, Taylor and Paige.
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THE CONNELLY LEDGER | |
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Born: |
February 7, 1971 |
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Education: | |
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1994 |
Texas A&M-Commerce, Kinesiology and Sports Studies |
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1995 |
Masters Degree, Texas A&M-Commerce, Health, Physical Education and Recreation |
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Playing Experience: | |
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1991-94 |
Texas A&M-Commerce |
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Coaching Experience: | |
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2003-Present |
Alabama, Offensive Line |
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2001-02 |
Washington State, Offensive Line |
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2000 |
San Jose State, Offensive Line |
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1999 |
California State-Northridge, Offensive Line/Tight Ends |
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1998 |
GA, Texas A&M, Offensive Line/Special Teams |
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1996-97 |
Cisco Junior College, Offensive Line/Tight Ends |
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1995 |
Texas A&M-Commerce, Offensive Line/Tight Ends |
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Bowl Participation | |
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As a coach: 2006 Cotton Bowl, 2004 Music City, 2003 Rose Bowl, 2001 Sun Bowl, 1999 Sugar Bowl | |
