Tag Archives: Alex McGough

FIU OL Shane McGough: Centered in his approach

Former FIU center Shane McGough traveled from Tampa’s Gaither High School down the road to Miami, Florida following in the footsteps of his brother Alex, currently a quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks. McGough learned some tips from his brother, quarterbacked the Panthers offensive line and found time to start at all three interior line positions in school. We sat down with McGough this offseason to talk about some of his goals as he embarks on a potential NFL career.

DN: In terms of the workout process for the draft, where are you training for the draft?

McGough: I’m actually in my hometown of Tampa, Florida training with The Trench Academy, trying to get all these times ready for Pro Day. And I think it’s going really well.

DN: What are some of your goals, ‘let’s just say it might be the 20-yard short shuttle or maybe the 3-cone or maybe the bench press?’ Any specific goals that you’ve earmarked with your trainer?

McGough: Yeah, we’ve all got some times that we’re really trying to hit. In my short shuttle, I put down a time the other day that I’m really trying to stay around. I ran a 4.56 in the short shuttle (did 4.58 on Pro Day), so that’s pretty fast for an offensive lineman. So if I can keep it right there, then that’s a good number. The 10-yard split is really important for an offensive lineman, showing explosiveness off the line. If I can keep that under a 1.7, that’s what we’re shooting for (On McGough’s Pro Day in late March, he ran in the 5.1-to-5.2 range in the 40-yard dash).

DN: You were at the College Gridiron Showcase and also at the Tropical Bowl. You weighed in at 304 pounds right at 6-foot-2, and you pretty good hand size at 9 3/8”. Those measurements are favorable for you, projecting to the center spot, correct?

McGough: Yes sir.

DN: Who were some of the guys that were there before you (at FIU) that kind of paved the way for you?

McGough: Neal (Mars) was a guy that I played under, as I was his backup. He was always there to teach me and we competed for the spot. Having a guy like that who was willing to help you and show you the ropes, knowing that I was competing against him was really good. Jordan Budwig was an older guy that was actually there when my brother was there. Missed a couple of years due to injury but him being an older guy and having a lot of experience; he was able to teach me the game as a younger player. Understanding different defenses and being able to pick things up.

DN: Rich Skrosky (offensive coordinator) kind of brought NFL-type principles to the program. In terms of line calls, talk about how being in somewhat of a pro-style scheme the last couple of years can help your progression.

McGough: It helps a lot with the way we did our stuff with Skrosky. In the NFL, a lot of it is put on the center to make a lot of those calls, protection calls and stuff like that. That’s exactly how we did it. We did get help from the quarterback but they did rely on the center a lot to make adjustments right there on the line. Tell the quarterback what you see and let him change it. Make sure everyone is on the same page. Skrosky always said, ‘As long as all five of us are wrong together, you’re still right.’ Being able to be in the middle as the quarterback of the offenslve line, make all the line calls, get the protection, get the slide where we need to be and pick up all the different blitzes is really going to show out on my film. Maybe some of those NFL scouts that are looking for those centers who are able to slide over, pass off twists and pass all the way off to an edge blitzer.

DN: We regarded you as the best bender on your offensive line in some of the matchups viewed. Talk about the guys that you went against from Western Kentucky, as that was a multiple defensive front. How did that contest challenge you intellectually?

McGough: Their defensive line was an experienced defensive line, they had a lot of older guys. Their nose guard and shades that I was going against I had played multiple times. We’ve seen each other, kind of got a few tricks under our sleeves. They ran a few different formations and just competing against those guys was fun. It gets boring if you’re not playing against good competition.

DN: You used some different techniques after you’ve snapped the ball. You used some of these against FAU, the game in which you guided and mirrored their nose guard on the inside zone touchdown. Talk a little about some of your run blocking techniques, particularly when you wall-and-steer defenders to turn them out.

McGough: It’s something that you kind of read the defender on that, depending on how he plays the flow in the backfield. It kind of changes how you react to what he does. On a lot of the ones you’re talking about when I’m walling off and mirroring him, he’s not really giving me a defined read I’m just trying to stay in front of them. And don’t let the running back see color (defender), because if he sees color he’s gotta cutback. You’re not making the decision for the running back. When I tear him over, ‘you called it a hip toss,’ it’s a lot of times on an A-gap zone where they’re coming right off my butt. And being able to tear them (DL) past the read spot of the ball opens up that lane. It’s usually when I feel the defender going that way, I just use his momentum against him and take him where he wants to go and run him past the ball.

DN: You started nine games at guard in 2018 (right guard) and started three games at guard (left) in 2019. The ability to play all three interior line positions after measuring in at 6’2, 304. You put NFL offensive line coaches in a better spot there, right?

McGough: Yeah, that’s one thing that’s super important. Especially nowadays in the NFL is being able to swing. All it does is put more stuff on your resume’. You can’t really say I only play one position unless you’re that veteran in the league. A rookie coming in you’ve got to have multiple positional abilities. I can say I only play center but there’s a guy behind me who plays right guard but also plays center. Well that opens up another spot on the roster if I’m not on it.

DN: The toughest opponent you went against in school?

McGough: I’d have to say the University of Miami (Fla.).

DN: Best football player you’ve played with?

McGough: Laughs..

DN: Come on Shane we’ve got to give you some tough questions…

McGough: It’s probably messed up if I didn’t say it was my brother (Alex).

DN: What’s the best thing you learned from him?

McGough: He’s shown me a lot about defenses. How to pick up or read if its four-down, three-down (defensive fronts). In high school, that was a little complicated to me.

DN: The number one center you’ve studied in the NFL.

McGough: I’ve watched a lot of Jason Kelce (Eagles) film. Cause he’s kind of got the same measurables as I do.

DN: What about A.Q. Shipley?

McGough: Yeah, I’ve watched him. We talk about him a lot with my agent and trainer. He’s another guy whose kind of got the same measurables. It’s always good to watch a guy tat’s similar to you because he uses similar technique you need to use to do your job effectively.

DN: Your number one goal a year from now, what would it be?

McGough: Just to get an opportunity to play. That’s all I can ask for. You want to shoot high but at the end of the day it only takes one team to take a chance on you, whether that’s getting drafted, getting an invite or signing free agency. Just to be on a team and getting the opportunity to play again.

DN: Really enjoyed getting a chance to catch up with you.

McGough: Absolutely. Appreciate it.

DN: Have a safe rest of the year and good luck in the 2021 NFL Draft.

McGough: Thanks, you too.

2018 NFL Draft recap, pick-by-pick: NFC West

NFC West

Arizona

Cardinals

Campbell (No. 1 pictured) was a big factor for the Nittany Lions on both special teams and at corner during 2017. The former high school safety brings an aggressiveness to the Cardinals secondary.

Notable Pick: The choice of Edmonds could provide the Cardinals with a deadly one-two punch in the backfield. This would take pressure off of incumbent Sam Bradford. The team may have gotten one of the steals of the draft in the 6-foot-1, 192-pound Campbell.

Round,

Selection,

 

Player School DN Big Board

Rank/

Grade

‘Nasty’ Take:
1 (10) Josh

Rosen

QB-6’4 226

UCLA 15 (1st Round) Rosen’s toughness complements elite anticipation. In order for him to show both, he’ll need to stay available.
2 (47) Christian

Kirk

AP-5’11 200

Texas A&M 29 (2nd Round) DraftNasty’s top-ranked all-purpose player, Kirk averaged 19 yards per punt return in 2017. A year prior in 2016, he averaged 21.7 yds/PR with three TDs.
3 (97) Mason

Cole

OC-6’4 307

Michigan 74 (3rd Round) Cole began his career at left tackle and ended it there (2017). In-between, he was a factor at the center spot.
4 (134) Chase

Edmonds

RB-5’11 205

Fordham 120 (3rd Round) Edmonds- the Patriot League’s all-time leading rusher- was the best running back at the 2018 East-West Shrine game.
6 (182) Christian

Campbell

CB-6’1 203

Penn State 82 (3rd Round) Campbell was dinged for being a one-year starter despite NFL starting traits (4.5 speed, 41 ½” VJ, 11’2” BJ, 4.18 20-yd SS).
7 (254) Korey

Cunningham

OT-6’5 311

Cincinnati 335 (5th Round) Cunningham morphed into a starting left tackle in the AAC after putting on 90 pounds while in school. He maintained his athleticism despite the added weight (4.9 40-yd, 35 ½” VJ, 9’11” BJ).

 

Seattle

Seahawks

Penny (No. 20 pictured) returned eight kicks for touchdowns during his career (one punt return TD). In addition, he eclipsed the 2,200-yard mark (2,248) as a rusher in 2017.

Notable Pick: Despite getting drafted in the first round, Penny may still be undervalued. He can take the top off the defense as a kickoff returner, catch the ball and run in-between the tackles. His pass blocking will have to improve to get on the field.

Round,

Selection,

 

Player School DN Big Board

Rank/

Grade

‘Nasty’ Take:
1 (27) Rashaad

Penny

RB/KR-5’11 220

San Diego St. 12 (1st Round) The three-time MWC Special Teams Player of the Year can affect a game in a number of ways.   His experience under former NFL assistant Jeff Horton could ease his professional transition.
3 (79) Rasheem

Green

DE-6’4 275

USC 67 (3rd Round) Green has the look of New England Patriots 2017 fourth-round pick Deatrich Wise. He can move up-and-down the defensive front as a mismatch player.
4 (120) Will

Dissly

TE-6’4 256

Washington 460 (6th Round) Dissly may need more repetitions, but he has enough size to become an effective in-line blocker. The Academic All-Pac-12 selection impressed with his hand-eye coordination during the 2018 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.
5 (141) Shaquem

Griffin

LB-6’0 227

UCF 106 (3rd Round) The 2016 AAC Defensive Player of the Year and former safety actually looked decent changing directions in defensive back drills prior to the draft. The team will have a plan for his diverse skill-set.
5 (146) Tre

Flowers

S-6’3 207

Oklahoma St. 262 (4th Round) The All-Big 12 selection can produce positive angles when breaking on routes that go towards the sidelines. His ability to cover ground gives him high special teams upside.
5 (149) Michael

Dickson

P-6’2 208

Texas 271 (4th Round) His first step goes forward when receiving the snap and he can get balls to travel 70 yards in distance with hang time (70 yards, 4.75 hang, TCU ’17, downed at -10-yd L). He can control field position.
5 (168) Jamarco

Jones

OT-6’4 299

Ohio State 326 (5th Round) Jones didn’t play with as much venom in 2017 as he had in 2016. He has enough pop to potentially get looks inside at guard.
6 (186) Jacob

Martin

OLB/DE-6’2 236

Temple 382 (5th Round) Martin –a second-team All-AAC selection- lined up at both end spots for the Owls. His reactionary speed (4.59) off the snap helped him produce 8 QB sacks and 11 TFLs in 2017. He has the look of former Seahawk Bruce Irvin (Raiders) when he came out of West Virginia.
7 (220) Alex

McGough

QB-6’3 218

FIU 602 (7th Round) McGough’s precision was a big reason the team finished first in the nation in Red Zone offense.

 

San

Francisco

49ers

Warner (No. 4 pictured) finished his career with seven interceptions (2 for TDs) while at BYU.

Notable Pick: Warner was BYU’s field linebacker for much off his career but was also used off the edge on occasion. He began to overcome his angular build in 2017 with more force at the point of attack. He has a chance to increase the team’s speed in nickel situations and will be a special teams contributor from Day 1.

Round,

Selection,

 

Player School DN Big Board

Rank/

Grade

‘Nasty’ Take:
1 (9) Mike

McGlinchey

OT-6’8 311

Notre Dame 4 (1st Round) Finds his spots and angles as both a run and pass blocker.   Can bend to be 6-foot-8.
2 (44) Trade from Washington Dante

Pettis

AP-6’0 186

Washington 113 (3rd Round) Multi-dimensional receiver who may have more to give as a slot option. Arguably the draft’s best return option.
3 (70) Fred

Warner

LB-6’3 236

BYU 52 (2nd Round) He spent a lot of time in school matching slot WRs. Improved in the briar patch in 2017.
3 (95) Tarvarius

Moore

DB-6’1 199

Southern Miss 81 (3rd Round) Moore has a unique combination of length and athleticism. Improved his play speed and recognition in 2017.
4 (128) Kentavius

Street

DE-6’2 280

NC State 202 (4th Round) Street is a bully on the field with his combination of power and strength. He was drafted despite tearing his ACL in pre-draft workouts.
5 (142) D.J.

Reed

CB-RET-5’9 188

Kansas State 123 (3rd Round) Reed offers major potential in either the punt or kickoff return game (2nd nationally in both categories).   His tenacity at the CB spot was evident vs. Charlotte (2017) in cross-field pursuit.
6 (184) Marcell

Harris

S-6’1 208

Florida 601/7th Round Harris is yet another player the 49ers drafted that may not be available right away. He was on par with former Gator safeties Marcus Maye and Keanu Neal for a stretch in Gainesville.
7 (223) Julian

Taylor

DT-6’4 295

Temple N/A Taylor put it all together as a senior with 10 tackles for losses but he did not post a sack. He will be a one-gap penetrator.
7 (240) Richie

James

WR-5’10 183

MTSU 157 (3rd Round) Despite a disappointing senior year marred by injury, James still produced two 100-catch seasons in school (2015-16).   He offers a quickness disposition supported with 4.48 speed.

 

Los

Angeles

Rams

Noteboom (No. 68 pictured) started at both left tackle and right tackle during his time at TCU.

Notable Pick: Noteboom could eventually develop into a starter and has the ability to be groomed behind one of the NFL’s best in Andrew Whitworth. His 35 ½-inch arms increase his room for error.

Round,

Selection,

 

Player School DN Big Board

Rank/

Grade

‘Nasty’ Take:
3 (89) Joseph

Noteboom

OT-6’5 309

TCU 62 (2nd Round) Noteboom can immediately challenge for a starting spot if he gets his technique under control. Compares favorably to Washington OT Morgan Moses.
4 (111) Brian

Allen

C-6’1 300

Michigan State 387 (5th Round) Allen’s size would make one believe he is a center-only prospect, but some of the former state champion wrestler’s best work in school came at the LG spot in 2016.
4 (135) John

Franklin-Myers

DE-6’3 283

Stephen F. Austin 410 (5th Round) Franklin-Myers in strong in the upper body and plays with a heavy-handed nature. He controls the action vs. tight ends and has the look of a four-or-five-technique in Wade Phillips’ defenses.
5 (147) Micah

Kiser

ILB-6’2 239

Virginia 96 (3rd Round) Kiser’s instincts are top-notch. He impresses with his key-and-diagnostic skills. The Walter Camp second-team All-American posted 145 tackles and 5 QB sacks as a senior.   19 QB sacks in his career.
5 (160) Obo

Okoronkwo

OLB-6’1 253

Oklahoma 118 (3rd Round) Okoronkwo consistently affected the pocket for the Sooners in school. He plays fast and has some similarities to former Denver Broncos first-round pick Shane Ray. He’s longer and more refined as a pass rusher, however.
6 (176) John

Kelly

RB-5’10 216

Tennessee 72 (3rd Round) Kelly’s late season off the field issues turned off potential suitors. On top of that, he slowed down the second half of 2017.   Nevertheless, he has elite balance.
6 (192) Jamil

Demby

RB-6’4 319

Maine 166 (4th Round)B Demby looked the part at both the 2018 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl and Senior Bowl. His lack of foot speed caused a precipitous drop, but he plays with significant urgency.
6 (195) Sebastian

Joseph

DT-6’4 295

Rutgers 540 (6th Round) The 2018 College Gridiron Showcase MVP excelled in the classroom. Rutgers’ 2018 team MVP started at the three-technique and NG. Can crease the pocket vs. centers.
6 (205) Trevon

Young

LB-6’4 258

Louisville 194 (4th Round) After overcoming a serious injury in 2015, Young began to return to form in 2017 (12.5 TFLs).
7 (231) Travin

Howard

S/LB-6’1 213

TCU 424 (5th Round) Howard finished his career with 343 tackles, and 18 tackles for losses. He’s already been used quite a bit in coverage and he may rank as a position-flex player in Wade Phillips’ schemes.
7 (244) Justin

Lawler

DE-6’4 262

SMU 318 (5th Round) Since Lawler’s insertion into the SMU lineup in 2015, he’s lined up in a number of positions. He has stood up as an overhang LB and an inside shade DE.   A feisty run defender with a knack for blocking kicks (six blocks in school).