Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Bryce McClain, OLB, Shaw University

Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Bryce McClain, OLB, Shaw University

1) How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

Out of high school, I was getting recruited by 10 different universities

2) Where did you choose and why?

I chose Div. 2 Shaw University because of their tradition along with its’ great history and heritage.

3) What were your goals for your senior year?

My goal for senior year was to make an impact on my team and the underclassmen and to win one more CIAA championship before I left.

4) Have any scouts met with you, and if so what are they saying?

Ten to twelve NFL scouts came to Shaw University to check out the talented players.  I played for head coach, Robert Massey, who is an NFL veteran after playing 10 years in the league.  He was drafted from North Carolina Central University. I also played in the inaugural South Carolina College All-Star Bowl game in Greenville, South Carolina which was attended by a lot of pro scouts.

5) At your position, what separates you from the others?

At my position, my strength is my best attribute.  My movement in the trenches sets me apart from the other players that I go up against.  My defensive flexibility to play either with my hand in the dirt or standing up is also one of my core strengths’.

6) Tell us what you look for when breaking down film?

When I break down film, I look for tendencies and habits that my opponent has so that I can capitalize on them and win more one on one positional battles.

7) Who was the toughest player you have ever faced?

The toughest player I ever faced was current San Francisco 49er OT, Anthony Davis.  I’m from and played for Phillipsburg High School in Phillipsburg, New Jersey. He is from and played for Piscataway, New Jersey.  We faced him in a playoff game on the way to my first high school football state championship in 2005-2006.

8) If you could compare your play to one person in the NFL who would it be?

If I could compare myself and my play to anyone in the NFL it would have to be Jason Taylor. He was a strong and smart athlete and knew what it took to get the job done.

9) What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?

The biggest obstacle that I ever faced was when my dad was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and had to have a defibrillator placed on his heart. I overcame it by sticking by him and staying positive throughout his recovery.  As he began to recover, I never let him see how scared I was I just did my part to help him get better.

10) What system fits your style of play the best?

The style of play that fits me the most I would say is a great 4-3 hardnosed defense that creates turnovers and causes mayhem for any offense it faces.

11) What is your biggest strength?

My biggest strength would have to be my mental toughness.  Although I am physically strong, being mentally tough on the field for all four quarters’ is my biggest strength.

12) What is your biggest weakness?

My biggest weakness I would have to say would be my overall 40 time.  Growing up, I learned that I was not blessed with tremendous speed.

13) If I were a GM and gave you a second to sell yourself, what would you say?

If I was in a room with a GM, I would tell him that I am a leader, team player, and that I never quit. I would tell him that I would be a great addition to their team because I am a fast learner, hard worker, and I can adapt to any situation that I’m put in with my positive personality and attitude.

14) Growing up, who was your role model?

Growing up my role model was my gym teacher, Herbert Stecker.  He took me under his wing when I was a freshman in high school.  He supported me and helped mold me into the young man that I am today…and still to this day 10 years later…we still remain close. He is still like a second father to me.

15) Who was your favorite team and player in the NFL and why?

My favorite NFL team is the Atlanta Falcons.  My favorite player at the time was Curtis Lofton, so I started rooting for the Falcons.  I also was a big fan of Chris Chandler, Michael Harris, Jamaal Anderson, & Warrick Dunn.

16) What was the most tragic event that ever happened in your life and how did you overcome it?

The most tragic moment was when my twin brother, Brandon, decided to join the military to serve our country. Although that is certainly a great honor, we are twins and he is just 5 minutes older than me.  I am just used to him always being there for me and when he wasn’t I felt lost.  But he encouraged me to stay in the gym, focus on class, and do what I love to do, which is play football.

17) If you were to have dinner with three people dead or alive who would it be?

If I could have dinner with 3 people dead or alive those people would be: Wilt Chamberlin, Reggie White, and Stephen A. Smith. I think that would be a very funny classic dinner.

18) With your first paycheck what would you buy?

With my first check I would first pay off all of my bills and school loans then I would get myself a nice house that I could retire comfortably in when my career was over.