Gabe Megginson
Offensive Guard / Illinois State
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Gabe Megginson: Height is 6’5 and weight is about 295 right now.
Alex Khvatov: How are you currently preparing for the 2020 season with no offseason training?
Gabe Megginson: I have been finding home gyms. We have a group of guys who I have been working out with. We get back in about a week. We will have voluntary workouts at Illinois State.
Alex Khvatov: Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?
Gabe Megginson: I did track in high school. I threw shot put and discus. I went to state competition for shot put my junior year. During my senior year, I placed eight in the discus.
Alex Khvatov: What positions did you play in high school?
Gabe Megginson: I played DL a little bit, but I was mainly a LT.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Gabe Megginson: The main programs were Wisconsin, Mizzou, Penn State, Arkansas, NC State, and Illinois. I committed to Penn State for eight hours. I didn’t feel like they truly wanted me. I went to bed and then I de-committed the next day. It wasn’t for me.
Alex Khvatov: How did you wind up at Illinois?
Gabe Megginson: I loved Illinois, but I didn’t want to be the in state guy. My best friend told them about me. Coach A.J. Ricker called me and talked to me about home state pride. It is important to represent your state and change the program. It changed my mind.
Alex Khvatov: Tell us about your career with the Fighting Illini.
Gabe Megginson: I got redshirted my first year. I was super glad that I did because I wasn’t ready. During my redshirt freshman year, I probably wasn’t ready again. During my redshirt sophomore year, I was a little more inconsistent than what the coaching staff were ready for. Seeing the film now, I realize that I shouldn’t have been out there. I started half of the games. Some at TE, some at OT and OG. Once the new coaching staff got their first class in, they wanted to go with their guys. We realized that they would play the younger guys. We had 19 people who transferred.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you transfer to Illinois State?
Gabe Megginson: I was talking about it last night with my girlfriend. I knew coach Spack from camps. During my junior year, he talked to me. He told me to not forget about them. I knew all of the playoff runs that they made. During the bye week at Illinois, my best friend and I came to Illinois State for a game. Jokingly, I told my friend that I will play here. I liked the coaching staff and the winning program. It was close to home. I loved the location. It was only two hours from Chicago.
Alex Khvatov: How would you describe your career with the Redbirds?
Gabe Megginson: During the first year, I started 11 games. I was healthy and confident. Last year, I played one game before an injury. I had herniated two discs. It was a back injury, and I missed the entire season. Our team lost in the quarterfinal playoff game against NDSU last year. I actually graduated on that same day. Illinois State made football extremely fun for me again like in high school.
Alex Khvatov: What can we expect from Illinois State this upcoming season?
Gabe Megginson: Our defense is great. I love watching our defense. We are losing only four people last year from offense and defense. Our young guys can play. We have good depth on both sides of the ball. Every group is exciting.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Gabe Megginson: My pass sets and quickness out of my stance. My first couple of steps are very good. I take pride in my footwork.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Gabe Megginson: My hands in pass pro. I need to be more of a technician. I am always working on footwork, quickness, and my hands.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Gabe Megginson: Beating Colorado State last year. That was fun win at their place.
Alex Khvatov: What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your coaching staff?
Gabe Megginson: Coach Spack always tells us to be men on and off the field. In high school, I was irresponsible. I definitely changed in college. I have matured. I was the youngest growing up and I took advantage of it throughout high school. Once I got to college, I figured out how to be mature and responsible in life outside of football.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Gabe Megginson: RB Marshall Faulk was my favorite player back in the day.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for this upcoming season?
Gabe Megginson: QB Brady Davis, DL John Ridgeway, DE Romeo McKnight and OT Drew Himmelman. Our whole O-line group is good.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?
Gabe Megginson: The best people were the Bosa brothers at Ohio State when I was in the Big 10. LB Christian Rozeboom from South Dakota State was a very good one.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for an OL?
Gabe Megginson: Buying into an O-line coach. Not getting scared when you get critiqued. Being open-minded.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Gabe Megginson: Physicality. My favorite feeling is waking up after the win on Sunday. You are beat up. Your body hurts. It is great to see 22 guys fighting on the field for a common goal.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Gabe Megginson: I love fishing, playing video games, hanging out with my lady, friends, and family. I love being as lazy as I can. I love scrolling through Craigslist and buying random stuff.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Gabe Megginson: I got my degree in university studies last spring. I have always had interest in music. Becoming a music supervisor or getting into music production. I played in a band in high school.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Gabe Megginson: Persistent, fun, brave, competitive, and committed.
