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A first-team All-City selection, McConico is thought to be one of the most feared defensive backs in the Southland. As a result of his exploits, McConico has earned a nickname from Venice teammates and coaches that is quite fitting given his on-field talents.
“They call me ‘Pick City’ back at Venice,” McConico proudly proclaims. “You could say that my game is a cross between Champ Bailey and Antonio Cromartie. I have great instincts and am a physical corner that doesn’t shy away from contact.”
At 5’10 175 lbs, McConico is a gifted athlete with excellent coverage instincts. Equipped with 4.5 speed, he breaks quickly on the ball, covers a lot of ground in the secondary, and demonstrates great closing speed. Pick City is also known to deliver punishing blows to opposing ball carriers.
Though he makes picking off passes look easy, life hasn’t exactly been that for the talented defensive back.
Living in South Central Los Angeles, McConico was surrounded by crime and gang violence for the majority of his life. However, it was his own personal tragedy just a few years ago that left an everlasting impact on his life both on and off the field when, in 2004, his father passed away.
Forced to confront this tragedy so young left McConico with an important decision to make; he could choose to persevere or become swept away by the negative influences of the inner city. McConico realizes his father would expect him to make wise choices and today, with each big play, JR honors his father with a subtle, yet powerful skyward gesture. He knows his father is watching.
Without his father, McConico’s brother, former Division I wide receiver Trevor Brackett, has stepped in to provide the positive influence and direction that his young brother needs. The example Brackett sets as a role model for “Pick City” is keeping him grounded and focused on the prize.
“My brother taught me everything I know,” credits McConico. “He graduated from the University of Nevada Reno with a college degree in Communications. He didn’t complete his goal of making it to the NFL so I’m trying to accomplish that for him and for the rest of my family.”
Other strong influences for McConico are Angelo Gasca, Head Coach at Venice High School, who he fondly refers to as his “Football Pops” and his godfather, Richard Steinmetz, actor and volunteer football coach who has taken on the role of McConico’s primary caretaker the last few years.
Entering his senior year, McConico is determined to capture the Venice High School single season school-record of 12 interceptions and lead the Gondos to a City Championship.
“I’m going to do it for my father,” McConico states.
Peering up at the sky.
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