Shane McGough/ Offensive Lineman /Florida International
Ed Hunt: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Shane McGough: I’m 6’2, 300 pounds and it’s hard to say my 40 time. I’m aiming for 5.0 or a 4.9 would be huge.
Ed Hunt: Does it help to have a brother in the NFL?
Shane McGough: Yeah, it definitely doesn’t hurt. He came out, trained and got drafted. He makes sure my head is on straight. Gives me the older brother advice, it really does help.
Ed Hunt: What was it like to play for Butch Davis?
Shane McGough: It’s awesome. He is a player’s coach. Any problem you have, he will solve it. He will go from 0 to 300 really fast. He could be really relaxed during practice and then get fired up really quick. He’s a great guy.
Ed Hunt: Where are you currently training for the draft?
Shane McGough: Trench Academy in Tampa, Florida.
Ed Hunt: Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?
Shane McGough: In high school, I just played football. I did play my last Lacrosse tournament my freshman year of high school.
Ed Hunt: What positions did you play in high school?
Shane McGough: I started out as a linebacker as a freshman. Sophomore year, I played tight end and then my junior year I played offensive tackle and defensive tackle.
Ed Hunt: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Shane McGough: It’s hard to say. I went to an FAU camp and they showed some interest. I got offered by FIU, and I accepted because my brother was there. I didn’t have too much recruiting to be honest.
Ed Hunt: How would you sum up your career at Florida International?
Shane McGough: We did a lot of good things as a team. When Coach Davis first got there, we went to a bowl game. We beat Miami, and we won the Bahamas Bowl. We did a lot of good things while I was there.
Ed Hunt: What are your strengths?
Shane McGough: I think a lot of my strengths come from the position I play. My quickness is one and I play with a lot of leverage. Leverage helps with my height. I think toughness is a big thing. Just being able to play through injuries.
Ed Hunt: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Shane McGough: I’d like to get better with everything. Improving on your football IQ. Especially at center you need to command it and be able to make those calls.
Ed Hunt: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Shane McGough: When we beat Miami. Before the game, it would make your hair stand up, the tension in the room and then the happiness when we won. You can’t really top that.
Ed Hunt: What is your favorite NFL team?
Shane McGough: I’m a Tampa guy. I have to say the Bucs especially with all the momentum around them.
Ed Hunt: Is there an NFL OL that you like to watch on film?
Shane McGough: I love watching Jason Kelce. He has the same body type as me. I really like to study him.
Ed Hunt: What underclassmen on your team should we keep an eye out for next season?
Shane McGough: Our tight end, Rivaldo Fairweather and Lexington Joseph. He’s a running back.
Ed Hunt: Which defensive lineman was your toughest matchup throughout your career?
Shane McGough: When we played Miami, they had the defensive end, Greg Rousseau. He is big time. We didn’t let up a sack that game. Everyone played really well that game.
Ed Hunt: What is the most important trait for an OL?
Shane McGough: There’s a lot of stuff you have to be as an offensive lineman. You have to be a tough, gritty dude. If you’re not tough and gritty, it’s going to be tough to play offensive line. It is not for everybody.
Ed Hunt: What do you enjoy most about football?
Shane McGough: The bond of 100 of your buddies. The team aspect of it. When that goes right, it just feels great. The bond and the brotherhood are my favorite things about it.
Ed Hunt: How has this journey of perseverance made you stronger?
Shane McGough: It builds you up. Not everything is going to be easy. You are going to have to fight through the fire. It prepares you for the workplace where you have to persevere for that promotion or raise.
Ed Hunt: What are your hobbies?
Shane McGough: I’m kind of an outdoors guys. Shooting guns. When I’m not playing football, I like being outside in the woods.
Ed Hunt: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Shane McGough: I’ve always wanted to get into the field of law enforcement. Like FBI or a detective. It is something that has interested me since I was young.
Ed Hunt: What makes you unique?
Shane McGough: My personality. I’m energetic and humorous. I’m upbeat and I also have an offensive lineman switch where it’s like I’m going to war.
Ed Hunt: What five words best describe you?
Shane McGough: Tough, loyal, confident, leader and hard-working.
Ed Hunt: Who will win the Super Bowl and why?
Shane McGough: I’d love to see Tampa go their first year with Tom Brady. I’m also an underdog guy. I love to see the Browns go and take it. That would be sweet.
