In the storied halls of Newbury Park High School, certain names echo a little louder than others. Connor Schlimgen is quickly becoming one of them. The standout defensive lineman, who played a pivotal role in Newbury Park’s CIF Division 2 Championship run last season, embodies everything coaches search for in a modern football player: skill, versatility, leadership, and an unwavering work ethic.

“He played a huge part in our championship run last season,” stated Head Coach Joe Smigiel. “Not only on the field but his leadership off the field was priceless.”

As Schlimgen prepares for his senior year, where he’ll continue to anchor the defensive line while also taking snaps on the offensive side of the ball, RepMax Report had the opportunity to sit down with this rising star to discuss what drives him, his approach to the game, and his vision for the future.

Family Inspiration Fuels Championship Dreams

When asked about his driving force, Schlimgen’s answer came without hesitation.

“My dad inspires me and pushes me the most to try my best to succeed in football,” he revealed, highlighting the powerful family connection that has shaped his athletic journey.

This foundation of family support has clearly translated to the field, where Schlimgen’s performance helped propel Newbury Park to championship heights. Yet the path of a student-athlete is rarely straightforward, requiring careful balance and occasional sacrifice.

“I have to make some sacrifices to ensure that I keep my grades up and perform well in football,” Schlimgen acknowledged. His mature understanding of these trade-offs speaks volumes about his character and commitment to excellence in all areas.

Learning from Legends, Leading by Example

Many young athletes find inspiration in professional stars, but Schlimgen’s choice reflects a deeper appreciation for football’s intangible values.

“Brandon Burlsworth taught me an important lesson: what you put in is what you get out,” he explained, referencing the legendary walk-on turned All-American at Arkansas whose work ethic transformed him into an NFL draft pick before his tragic passing.

This philosophy permeates Schlimgen’s approach to leadership within the Panthers’ program.

“I try to always play with everything I have and push others to do so as well,” he said. This lead-by-example mentality has made him a cornerstone of Newbury Park’s team culture during their championship run.

Looking Ahead: The College Decision

As college programs begin taking notice of Schlimgen’s talents, the senior lineman is thoughtfully considering his options.

“My top three factors would be athletics, location, and education,” he stated when asked about his college selection criteria.

The atmosphere surrounding a program also ranks high on his list. “I would love to play for a team with a highly engaged fan base and community,” Schlimgen noted, demonstrating his appreciation for the full college football experience.

Yet perhaps most revealing is his perspective on coaching. When presented with a choice between winning-obsessed or development-focused coaching styles, Schlimgen’s response was clear:

“I would rather play for a coach that focuses on player development and long-term growth because getting better as both a person and a player is more important to me than winning.”

This mature outlook suggests Schlimgen understands that true success extends beyond trophies and championships.

The Perfect Balance

Schlimgen’s balanced perspective extends to his preferred coaching style and training environment.

“I would say a mix of both [strict and player-friendly] because while I love to mess around here and there, it is important to still keep structure and ensure what needs to be done gets done,” he explained.

Similarly, his ideal training setup combines fundamentals with game-like scenarios: “Both are important. Everyone needs to get the basics down and consistent, which is learned through skill-focused drills, but with high-intensity competition, those skills can be put to the test in a game scenario.”

The Road Ahead

As Schlimgen prepares for his senior campaign at Newbury Park, expectations are high. With experience on both sides of the ball and championship pedigree already established, he enters the season as one of Southern California’s most complete linemen.

For Coach Smigiel and the Panthers, having a leader like Schlimgen in the trenches provides more than just on-field production—it offers a standard that elevates the entire program.

And for college coaches looking for that rare combination of talent, character, and football intelligence, Connor Schlimgen represents the complete package—a true RepMax Rising Star whose brightest moments still lie ahead.

RepMax Rising Stars highlights elite high school athletes who demonstrate exceptional talent, character, and potential. Connor Schlimgen exemplifies these qualities as he leads Newbury Park into the 2025 season.