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Hovey already hard at work with Jayhawk football

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Louisburg’s Conlee Hovey is currently working the the University of Kansas football program as a walk-on after committing to the Jayhawks earlier this year.

The dream for Conlee Hovey was to play Division I football, but he wasn’t always sure it would become a reality.


The recruiting process was a difficult one at times and Hovey had a lot of tough decisions to make. However, when one option presented itself, he wasn’t about to turn it down.

Hovey was offered a walk-on spot with the University of Kansas program earlier this year and he was more than happy to jump on the opportunity.

“I was a KU fan growing up, so it’s just kinda surreal to be able to play and represent the Jayhawks,” Hovey said. “It really meant a lot for me to make it to the next level. When I was younger I never thought that I could be a Division I player. It has really taught me that hard work can pay off.”

The Jayhawk coaches had a lot of interest in the Louisburg senior at tight end. Hovey, who stands at 6-5, was a big target in the Wildcat offense the last two years.

In his senior campaign, Hovey had 25 catches for 286 yards and two touchdowns and was a first-team All-Frontier League selection. He was also named to the Kansas Shrine Bowl.

Louisburg senior Conlee Hovey signed with the Jayhawk football program earlier this year. Seated next to Conlee are his parents Jodi and Shane. Standing are his brothers Jase and Chance.

Although he had other opportunities, he wanted to be a part of the up-and-coming Jayhawk roster under head coach Lance Leipold.

Prime Accounting

“I love the direction the program is heading,” Hovey said. “Coach Leipold has really turned the program around and I wanted to be part of that change.”

Hovey reported to campus earlier this summer and has already begun work with the rest of his Jayhawk teammates. It has all started in the weight room. 

“The workouts have been going good,” Hovey said. “I’ve gotten a lot stronger in such a little time that I have been here.”

Roster numbers have been more limited than in year’s past as teams can now only keep 105 players, which is down from 128 due to an NCAA antitrust settlement. Combine that with the fact that any of those 105 players can be placed on scholarship, reduces the number of walk-ons teams will take on. 

Heading into the summer, Hovey was just one of two walk-ons on the roster and will more than likely redshirt his first season with the Jayhawks. Still, he is ready to continue working at tight end and is excited for the future.

“The coaches see me as a great blocker and that I have good hands,” he said. “They want to see my routes develop better so I am working on that.

“My expectations are to be a special teams guy my first year or two, then really step up to be a main part of the offense my later years. I know it’s not gonna be easy, but I’m excited to get to work and challenge myself.”