SMSU Athletics Hall of Honor
Jim Conner (1987-89) was a three-year letter winner for the football team and is considered one of the most dominate defensive lineman in program history.
After spending two seasons at Iowa Central Community College, Conner came to SMSU in 1987 and made an immediate impact for the Mustangs. He closed his first season recording 93 tackles helping SMSU to a second-place finish in the conference and the program’s first-ever NAIA playoff appearance.
In 1988, he registered 60 tackles, including 8.5 for loss and 3.5 sacks to earn NAIA All-American honorable mention accolades to go along with All-NIC first team and NAIA All-District honors.
During his senior season in 1989, he racked up a team-high 14 tackles for loss and finished with 61 tackles to help the Mustangs earn a second-place finish in the NIC. He once again earned All-NIC first team and NAIA All-District honors before capping his career receiving NAIA All-American second team honors.
Conner, who attended Minnesota Vikings free agent training camp following his SMSU tenure, played in 31 career games and finished with 214 tackles, 7.5 sacks and four fumble recoveries. Following the 2024 season, he still ranks 10th in team history in tackles for loss.
