Radford football kicking specialist Connor Lytton graduates early to get jump start with Boston College football
RADFORD, Va. (BVM) — Radford senior kicker Connor Lytton has been an excellent kicking specialist for the Bobcats for the past three years, earning all-district and all-region honors in each of the past three seasons (he missed his senior year due to the Virginia High School League canceling his senior fall season). As one of the highest-rated specialists in the country, ranking as the No. 5 kicker in the country for the Class of 2021 by 247Sports and No. 26 by ESPN, the three-star recruit had plenty of eyes on him for his services at the next level.
There was plenty to look at too. During his final season with the Bobcats in 2019, Lytton was a weapon for the Bobcats as he could hit field goals from nearly anywhere on the field from short chip shots from attempts over 40 yards. On the season, Lytton would hit eight field goals including one from 48 yards and another from 46 yards.
Not only a strong kicker but an excellent punter as well, Lytton averaged over 36 yards per punt during his junior campaign. Lytton’s punting was so impressive that he would earn defensive player of the year honors from the News Messenger/News Journal to go along with the publication’s special teams player of the year award.
“[I’m most proud of] Being able to go out there on the field and show my talents and be given those awards at the end of the season,” Lytton said.
In addition to his strong in-season performances, Lytton would also spend his offseasons participating in some of the most elite specialist camps across the country. Being evaluated by top former kickers and punters, Lytton was able to show his skills off among the best, helping further elevate his reputation. Over the course of his high school career, Lytton participated in both Kohl’s Kicking Camps and Chris Sailer Kicking Camps, earning a four-and-a-half star ranking from both organizations, putting him as a scholarship-level athlete.
“Going to them, learning technique and form and the competition too just overall rounds you as a kicker and helps you in game time decisions,” Lytton said. “Overall it just helps you as a kicker going to those camps and also being around other kickers also helps you.”
This ranking would be a sign of things to come for Lytton. Despite getting interest from a number of Division I Power 5 teams, Lytton was struggling to earn a scholarship offer. Though he had made visits to the likes of Rutgers University, Michigan State University, West Virginia University and Virginia Tech, Lytton would typically leave the visits empty handed.
However, that all changed when Lytton was offered a scholarship from Boston College following a March visit. The Eagles were the first to offer the specialist a scholarship for his services and Lytton jumped on the opportunity committing in April.
“I actually got to go to BC the day before it closed and got to tour around there,” Lytton said. “I felt right at home. The coaching staff and everybody there welcomed me really nicely. I was lucky to get there before everything shut down and it helped ease my decision a couple months later.”
— lyttonconnor (@LyttonConnor) April 14, 2020
Though he wouldn’t be officially offered a scholarship until August, the assurance that Lytton received from the coaching staff was enough for him to commit without hesitation. In August, the kicker was rewarded for his patience with an official scholarship offer.
“It was amazing,” Lytton said. “Being blessed with the opportunity they gave me I couldn’t thank them enough for that.”
It’s official! #Getin 🦅 pic.twitter.com/3LMPbuxBfa
— lyttonconnor (@LyttonConnor) August 1, 2020
During a National Signing Day event at Radford, Lytton officially put his name on the dotted line, signing his National Letter of Intent to play for the Eagles. The signing also came with a decision by Lytton to forgo his spring senior football season to instead graduate early and join the Boston College team in January, beginning classes in the spring.
“I just felt like it was the best opportunity for me not knowing if we would even have a spring season because of coronavirus,” Lytton said. “Just getting in the weightroom, getting used to academics up in Boston and getting ready for the next fall season up there.”
Though a difficult decision to miss out on his senior high school season, Lytton is excited for the opportunity to get a head start with his new team.
“I just love their program,” Lytton said. “They’re a big ACC school and the academics there are amazing. The new coaching staff that they brought in are really turning things around so those were the main points I was looking for in a school and they hit every one. … It’s coming up quickly, but I think I’m ready for it. I’m ready to get up there and get to work.”
Lytton’s new program is equally excited for the kicker’s arrival.
“Connor is a tremendously talented kicker with excellent form and incredible work ethic,” Boston College special teams coordinator Matt Thurin said in a press release about the 2021 recruiting class.
One of the nation's best specialists is in.
Welcome to BC @LyttonConnor #GetIn21 pic.twitter.com/yFIowSmc3z
— Boston College Football (@BCFootball) December 16, 2020
With a strong leg and accuracy to boot, Lytton will be a welcome addition to the Boston College football team. While he may not have the senior season he always envisioned, Lytton will be able to get ahead of the game with his arrival to the university in January helping him get acclimated to his new role on a Power 5 football team.
“I hope to get up there, get the starting position and help the Eagles get to the playoffs and hopefully win a national championship,” Lytton said.
