Connor Lew: First Center Off the Board

0:00It's April 21st, Auburn Tigers' football news today starts now, AI-powered, and game-ready. I'm Cory with the story. Former Auburn Captain Conor Loo is gearing up for the 2026 NFL Draft as the projected first center off the board. This 6'3", 310 lb. lime in from the plains started 3 years straight and earned top grades among his teammates in 4 of. Seven games last season. He's fully recovered from knee surgery that sideline him late in the year and expects his name called Friday in rounds 2 or 3. Earlier this week, Loo wrapped up all the pre-draft testing in meetings, leaving him pumped to just wait and see where he lands. He popped up at Auburn Spring Practices, including their A-Day game, staying connected while the spotlight shifts to him. Analysts peg him for a third or fourth round pick after shining in Hugh Freese's balance scheme. Fans and scouts love his smarts on protections and run alerts, plus how he moves laterally on zone blocks.

1:00Loo benched press 31 reps at the combine, ranking third among offensive linemen, showing that base strength even if his hands are D. Punchiest. He calls himself the guy who handles any mental or physical load thrown his way. Reflecting on Auburn, Loo credits the people there for pulling through the ups and downs, despite not hitting all the team goals. Loo's standout was leading the line in a season opener, where they rush for 307 yards on 52 carries against Baylor, averaging. Nearly six yards of pop and scoring, four rushing touchdowns. Now with emotions running high, Loo's grateful for the journey and locked in to grind wherever he gets picked, bringing brain and brawn to his new squad.