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Dean Connors
Bio
- Hometown: Kamuela, HI
- School: Houston
- Year: R-Senior
Measurables
- Height: 5-11
- Weight: 208
Scouting Report
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Rundown
Dean Connors emerged as one of Houston's key contributors, and his path to get there is a testament to his resilience. Connors grew up in Hawaii and attended high school in California, where he also excelled in track. After high school, he played a year at Riverside Community College in 2021. Connors then went to Rice, where he amassed over 2,500 scrimmage yards and 22 scores over the next three seasons. Connors got another year of eligibility and transferred to Houston, where he became an offensive focal point, racking up 1,231 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025.
Connors had 2,656 rushing yards and 1,166 receiving yards over his four years of NCAA play. He combines natural vision with reliable hands, making him a true dual-threat back. Connors runs with purpose and power between the tackles while remaining patient and sudden in open space. His versatility extends beyond gadget plays. He can handle traditional backfield duties in multi-down work. Concerns include his top-end speed and the level of competition he faced. While adequate in college, he lacks the elite athletic traits that typically draw NFL attention. An outstanding combine or pro day could raise his draft stock, but without it, he projects as an undrafted free agent.
Player Comp
Bilal Powell
NFL Range of Outcomes
Practice Squad to Average Backup
For more information on Dean Connors and the rest of the 2026 rookie class, get our Rookie Guide today! And come back to this page after the NFL Combine and NFL Draft for updated information!
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