McCann ready to play
The Red Raiders lose a lot of players along the defensive line to graduation and have worked to counter the losses by adding eight defensive linemen to the 2016 class. Each prospect will have the chance to compete for playing time right away but one of the more important commitments of the 2016 defensive line haul is Texarkana (Ark.) defensive tackle Nick McCann. The 6-foot-2, 290-pound McCann is already being pegged by the coaches as a day one contributor.
The No. 7 player in Arkansas concluded his senior season recording 85 tackles, five sacks and two interceptions. His efforts on the field didn’t go unnoticed as he participated in the Offense-Defense All-American Senior Bowl this past Friday in Daytona Beach, Florida with fellow Texas Tech commit Gio Pancotti.
WHAT'S NEXT?
There had been rumors circulating of qualifying issues for the defensive lineman but McCann met the ACT requirements this past June and needed a 3.2 GPA this past semester and recorded a 3.7, so everything is squared away on the qualifying front. Now the three-star prospect is just biding his time until he can sign the papers and officially become a Red Raider. Many colleges have inquired about McCann’s commitment status throughout the process and the defensive tackle has turned them all away as he is fully committed to being a Red Raider even with the news of the most recent staff changes. McCann said he has full confidence in both David Gibbs and Kliff Kingsbury. McCann and several other defensive commits will be in town for their official visits on Jan. 22.
IN HIS WORDS
“Coach Gibbs wants me to come in and start as a true freshman which is something that I am working hard to get ready for,” he said. “I talked to Breiden Fehoko and the one thing he said was getting mentally prepared for it. He also said conditioning was a big factor which are things I have been working on every day now. Every day since football season I have been working out with my strength trainer getting prepared for everything. I’m ready for the challenge of coming in and playing early.”
OUR REACTION
McCann is one of several 2016 defensive commits that will be given every opportunity to contribute right away next season. The Red Raiders graduated the bulk of their defensive line group after the 2015 campaign, so McCann has a great shot of playing as a freshman. -- Aaron Dickens