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Marching on in our countdown to kick-off against North Dakota State, we mark 46 days left with a preview of #46 Dalton Converse, the team’s second-string long snapper from Clay Center, KS.
Converse had an odd intro to playing at the collegiate level, as he intended to redshirt his freshman year while walking on as both a longsnapper and linebacker. Then in the days leading up to the Cotton Bowl against Arkansas, it was revealed that longsnapper Marcus Heit would be academically ineligible and Converse’s redshirt was removed to start against the Razorbacks in Jerryworld. Converse filled in admirably, successfully completing all 11 snaps in the game.
With Heit back in 2012, Converse once again took a backseat and was not featured during the season. Heit will be a senior this season and is the presumed starter to deliver the ball on special teams this year. As such, Converse is expected to spend his junior year as a member of the scout team. However, as a Shrine Bowl participant, All-State honorable mention, and proven competitor, the team is confident in his ability to step up if needed and should be on track to assume the starting role as a senior in 2014.
To work backwards in our countdown, visit 47 Days, where we preview the contributions of LB Myles Copeland.