Cornell University Athletics

At Cornell: Connolly moved to safety a season ago and will have a chance to compete for time in the defensive backfield as a senior in 2008. A converted quarterback, Connolly saw time in two games in 2007 and made one tackle. He missed a majority of the 2006 season with a knee injury. Connolly played in two contests as a freshman behind center, but did not attempt a pass. He is a hard-nosed competitor who is hungry to see time in 2008 after a strong spring campaign. He is enrolled in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

At Maine-Endwell: The 2004 New York State Class A player of the year, Connolly led Maine-Endwell HS to its first state title with a perfect 12-0 season as a senior. He completed 69-of-113 passes for 1,324 yards and 14 touchdowns while throwing just five interceptions that year. Connolly also ran for 10 touchdowns in M-E’s option attack. He was chosen as the New York State Coaches Association Co-Player of the Year as a senior after earning third-team all-state honors as a junior at safety. He directed an offense that averaged nearly 38 points per game on its way to the state championship. Connolly was invited to play in the 2004 Governor’s Bowl, pitting the best high school players from New York vs. the best players from New Jersey. Despite playing with a torn ACL in the state final, Connolly tossed for 308 yards and three touchdowns after sitting out the first quarter. He competed in the 2005 Ernie Davis All-Star Classic, and was named to the 2003 and 2004 Binghamton Press and Sun Bulletin All-Metro first team. Connolly was a four-year starter in football, a three-year starter in baseball as a pitcher/first baseman, and a two-year starter as a forward in basketball.

Personal: Timothy Shane Connolly is the son of Tim and Cheryl Connolly and has two younger brothers.