He is a quiet but critical part of the option offense, the guy who blasts up the middle each play to keep defenses honest or applies lead blocks for Tuiasosopo and the fleet of Husky tailbacks. He doesn't often get the ball, but the option doesn't go far without his threat. And he is a symbol of the unselfish nature of this particular team, which now finds itself one Apple Cup win from a major New Year's Day bowl game. Conniff doesn't consider himself a hero. This is a young man who wants to be a fireman after his football dreams come to an end.
Firemen can save lives.
Firemen can be heroes. Right now, he's just a football player who loves being a part of the best Husky team in years. Most every Husky will tell you they look up to Tuiasosopo as the ultimate warrior, the ultimate leader. Tuiasosopo looks up to Pat Conniff. Tuiasosopo was thrilled to see his buddy finish up his Husky Stadium career with a pair of touchdowns yesterday.