By Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
On August 13, 2025, Prattville defensive lineman Jake McConnell announced his commitment to play collegiately at Murray State University, based in Murray, Kentucky. The Racers compete in the Missouri Valley Conference. In 2024, the Racers traveled to take on SEC teams Missouri to start the season and Kentucky near the end of the season.
McConnell has been a multi-sport athlete while at Prattville, excelling at football and wrestling.
McConnell was 2nd Team All region in football in 2024 and he is a two-time state placer in wrestling. In 2023, McConnell placed 6th in the state in Class 7A in the 182 pound weight class, according to trackwrestling.com. In 2024, he placed 3rd in the state in Class 7A 190 pound weight class.
McConnell visited the Murray State campus the last week of July.
“It was a beautiful town and I had a great connection with the coaches,” said McConnell. “The coaches at Murray State were great, and when they reached out, we made a great connection.”
McConnell plans to sign with Murray State in December and hopes to move to campus in June 2026 following his graduation from Prattville.
“They want me as a defensive end or maybe on some passing downs to move down to defensive tackle,” said McConnell when asked how the Racers plan to use him in their defense.
McConnell still has more than half of his senior season remaining as a Prattville Lion, and was a part of the Prattville defense that forced five turnovers in their Week 3 win over Oak Mountain on Homecoming.
The seniors’ goals for the season are simple: “Make the playoffs and win a state championship.”
