By ROBERT CESSNAStephen McGee would rather focus on what is and will be, even though he believes what could have been would have been special.
"I've always viewed myself as a first-round quarterback," McGee said. "If I played to my potential at Texas A&M, that's where I would be. If I threw the ball, there's no doubt I'd be a first-round guy. There's no doubt in my mind."
McGee had to overcome a run-oriented offense and an injury-plagued senior season to be rated the fourth-best quarterback for this weekend's NFL draft behind Georgia's Matthew Stafford, Southern Cal's Mark Sanchez and Kansas State's Josh Freeman by draft guru Mel Kiper Jr.
"I'm expecting to get drafted in the third round," McGee said. "If I have a good day, I'll get drafted in the second round. If I have a bad day, it will be the fourth round. If I have a terrible day, it will be the fifth."
The NFL draft will have only two rounds Saturday, with the final five rounds Sunday.
A&M potentially could have four players drafted. Running back Mike Goodson (6-foot, 208 pounds), defensive end Michael Bennett (6-4, 274) and punter Justin Brantly (6-3, 249) worked out at the NFL combine along with McGee (6-3, 225), whose stock has risen since the end of the season.
McGee was expected to flourish under first-year head coach Mike Sherman's West Coast offense last season, but he injured his throwing shoulder and played in only six games, starting three. He completed 56 of 85 passes for 586 yards last season.
It was a disappointing end to a roller-coaster career.
He came to A&M as a passing quarterback but became deft at running the zone read for former head coach Dennis Franchione. McGee had 327 carries for 1,565 yards as a sophomore and junior but had pedestrian passing numbers. He was 405-of-677 passing for 4,606 yards with 24 touchdowns during that period.
By comparison, Georgia's Matthew Stafford, the top-rated quarterback, was 235-of-383 passing for 3,459 yards and 25 touchdowns in just his senior year.
McGee's stock rose during practices for the East-West Shrine Game. Then at the NFL combine, McGee was timed at 4.66 seconds in the 40-yard dash, with only West Virginia's Pat White (4.55) faster among the quarterbacks. McGee had a vertical jump of 33 feet, broad jumped 9-4 and had a 20-yard shuttle time of 4.49.
"I know my talent," McGee said. "I know what skills I have. I'll put 'em up against anyone in the country."
Last year as Texas A&M opened fall camp, quarterbacks coach Tom Rossley, who spent 11 years in the NFL, said McGee was a first-day NFL draft pick.
He still has an outside chance at that, but most projections have him going in the third round.
"You really have no clue, weird things happen," McGee said. "Hopefully, I'll go in the second round. But if I go in the fifth round, they're just going to get a more [hacked]-off quarterback."
Several teams included McGee in the 30 prospects they could bring in for closer evaluation.
"Dallas definitely was the one that stuck out more so than all the others, just because that was the place that I'd seen on TV for so many years, and all the players that I'd idolized when I was a little kid," McGee said. "That's the uniform that I first had when I was 5 years old."
McGee also made trips to Oakland, Houston, Seattle, Jacksonville, Carolina, Miami, San Francisco, Denver and New England.
"It's a huge, long job interview process for about five months," McGee said. "You just get hammered in every possible way. The visits aren't mainly to work you out. They're just to get to know what you're going to be like in the locker room. They just sit down with you and see what your personality is like, and to see how smart you are with Xs and Os, football-wise. That's kinda my chance to really shine."
McGee is an excellent student. He graduated early from Burnet High School to enroll at A&M, then earned his college degree with two years of eligibility left, which allowed him to enroll in graduate school. He also has an engaging personality.
"Where I really separate myself from the other quarterbacks I think is on the boards, Xs and Os and football smarts," McGee said.
Scott Wright of Draft Countdown.com, likes McGee's size and athleticism. "Real mobile and is a threat to make plays with his feet," Wright said. "[He] can throw on the run, a first-rate competitor, great work ethic, loves the game."
Raw footwork and poor mechanics and technique are the knocks Wright has on McGee, who shrugs off criticism.
"At the end of the day it doesn't matter if you're a first-round pick or free agent," McGee said. "Come the first rookie camp, you have to earn every dollar you make."'
Others hoping to be picked
Goodson, Bennett and Brantly are expected to late-round picks. Goodson could be used on special teams because of his speed. Bennett and Missouri defensive end Stryker Sulak (6-5, 251), who played at Rockdale High, are considered "tweeners" because they also could play inside. Bennett, older brother of A&M tight end Martellus Bennett, has a strong upper body and long arms. Brantly has been compared to former A&M punter Shane Lechler, an All-Pro punter for the Oakland Raiders.
Former A&M Consolidated standout David Nixon, who became the Mountain West Conference's all-time leading tackler at linebacker for Brigham Young, might have to sign as a free agent after not getting invited to the NFL combine.
*
NOTES -- McGee will watch the draft with his family in College Station. McGee, an outdoorsman, said he might go outside and shoot his bow and arrow a few times if the draft drags on. ... A&M has had only six quarterbacks drafted -- Bucky Richardson, eighth round by the Houston Oilers in 1992; Gary Kubiak, eighth round by the Denver Broncos in 1983; Edd Hargett, 16th round by the New Orleans Saints in 1969; Charlie Milstead, first round by the San Diego Chargers in 1960; Elwood Kettler, 14th round by the New York Giants in 1955; and Marion Pugh, second round by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1941. Reggie McNeal, the A&M starting quarterback before McGee, was drafted in the seventh round by the Cincinnati Bengals, but as a wide receiver.
NFL DRAFT
* When/where: Saturday-Sunday in New York
* Saturday's TV: 3 p.m. on ESPN, Ch. 27; 8 p.m. on ESPN, Ch. 28
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Posted by: Pablo On: 4/28/2009
Comment Title: Hooked on phonics..
Twisted.. yeah. OK. Was trying to bait a troll..
Posted by: Twisted Sister On: 4/28/2009
Comment Title: What?
Pablo, speak English. This is America. And stop falling asleep at the wheel of your car with your conterfit social security card carrying self.
Posted by: Pablo On: 4/28/2009
Comment Title: Aggie wanna be?
What's up the 'sip trolls? Thought they were a first class university? Maybe just leave off the "cl" huh?
Posted by: BEVO in Walton Hall On: 4/27/2009
Comment Title: Funny!!!
That was too funny Sniffy! But you forgot to add that it was in his last game of his weak college career, which he lost! At least Vince won his last college game.
Posted by: Sniffy On: 4/27/2009
Comment Title: Sniffy
Yeah, but at least he was not a bust in college like your cry baby boy McGee. And he at least competed for and won a NCAA National Championship in one of the greatest games in NCAA history. He can hand his hang his hat on that even if he never plays another down of football in the NFL. What does Mc"Crybaby" have to boast about? Oh, that he got in the face of a Longhorn defensive player after getting his clock cleaned. lol
Posted by: On: 4/27/2009
Comment Title:
hey sniffy you forgot the biggest bust in years- your very own vince young.
Posted by: Sniffy On: 4/27/2009
Comment Title: What a joke!!!
McGee will run the practice squard. Running the plays of the offense that the defense will face the coming week. He will do no better than Rodney Pete, Matt Lanert (sp), or other QB bust in the NFL.
Posted by: Pablo On: 4/27/2009
Comment Title: Cowboys & Aggies.. couldn't be happier as a fan
Drlgsideways.. I see your point about Romo. What makes him great is also what makes him vulnerable, and in my book, exciting to watch. Hate it when it goes wrong, but am left speechless when he picks up a football that was snapped over his head and runs around making defenders miss, gets 4 yards gain and changes the momentum of the game in one crazy play. For every crazy good play, maybe 1 or 2 bad ones.. he actually is getting better with INTs, but I digress from McGee.. I'll be honest, I thought he was hurt more often than he let on running into defenders with Coach Fran's offense. He skipped the ball a lot and didn't seem real accurate, but I loved his game. Now in the NFL, he won't be running the option, so we get to see that arm that helped him and his team at Burnet HS. As an Aggie, really happy to see him go to my favorite pro team. Was hoping the Cowboys could have picked up WR Dillard (Rice).. think he is a solid WR.
Posted by: On: 4/27/2009
Comment Title:
Maybe McGee can have a Gary Kubiak career. Wear the headset and run the clock out at the end of the game for the real quarterback.
Posted by: Seeing Stars On: 4/26/2009
Comment Title: RE: Drlgsideways
You can find them both on the field in the 2007 season (Tebow missing in '06, McGee missing in '08). The 2007 season, with both teams playing 13 games, has Tebow with 210 rushes, 68 YPG and McGee 181 rushes, 69 YPG. Passing has Tebow with 350 attempts, 172 YPG and McGee with 364 attempts, 118 YPG. Here's the rub. Tebow completed 67% of his balls and McGee 58% which resulted in Tebow gaining 9.39 yards per ATTEMPT and McGee 6.35. Tebow had the #2 QB rating in the nation at 172.5 while McGee was at 117.8 and a #84 rating. ACCURACY seems to be the difference. That has been a recent combine criticism of McGee. His accuracy is affected due to a flawed delivery and flawed footwork. A lot of potential but the cowboys have a real project if he remains with the team. The torn labrum, if he is back to say 95%, is one hit away from being aggravated again. Tebow's accuracy is helped by the Florida run game so we will have to wait and see on the draft. He does have the character and leadership skills though. If character, leadership, and desire are all that is considered then Romo is now the back-up in Big-D.
Posted by: Coach On: 4/26/2009
Comment Title: Yea OK
He will be good but he needs to quit getting hurt and being such a cry baby. Step up to the plate because you are with the BIG BOYS NOW.
Posted by: Drlgsideways On: 4/26/2009
Comment Title: Florida vs A&M
Stars, how about a comparison of Florida's rushing yardage and passing yardage to that of A&M? I have no clue but I suspect there is a big difference. There is certainly a huge difference in the results achieved by the two programs. And I know it is early but what is Tebow's projection in next year's NFL draft? NFL teams are not going to draft him based on his prolific running. They will be evaluating his arm and his potential as a Pro QB. He is a bigger version of Stephen McGee and he was blessed to be in a great football program. But I don't think Francione is qualified to carry Urban Meyer's clipboard. A&M and Florida have the same offense in name only.
Posted by: drlgsideways On: 4/26/2009
Comment Title: Pablo
I wish I had your confidence in Romo. I am a lifelong Cowboy fan and maybe it is convenient memory on my part but I really don't recall Staubach or Aikman coming back to the huddle with a big, stupid grins after doing something that was stupid. I am surprised one or more of the offensive linemen haven't rearranged his helmet. Yeah maybe he is supposed to project looseness and it comes across as aloof and a lack of intensity. BUT he makes a LOT of very poor decisions at very critical times. When he is hot and really on he is fun to watch but when he is bad he is spectacularly bad. Yes, he has been to two Pro Bowls but he has yet to win a playoff game. Yes, he is tough to contain and can create on the move but he also gets a little too sandlot and often with bad results. But that team as a whole is LOADED with talent (except in the owner's suite) and has underperformed. Maybe Romo is just another symptom and not the cause. I have not read any interviews or any of his quotes so I am not taking them out of context. I just read his body language and watched him throw picks seconds after muttering to myself "just don't throw an interception!" And the dopey grin usually disappears in the 4th quarter when they are losing. Maybe a little more maturity is the answer. And for what it is worth I enjoy your posts and perspective.
Posted by: Seeing Stars On: 4/26/2009
Comment Title:
Let's not be too quick to blame McGee's plight on the system he was in. In fact, Florida does quite well with it. Call it Zone Read or Spread Option or anything else you desire, it is one and the same. Alot of people think Florida is about throwing the ball. With Tebow, another strong leader at the helm, Florida threw it 329 times last year which is less than McGee did in either his sophomore or junior year. Florida ran the ball 545 times. They run option out of a spread and let you figure if you want to stop run or pass, knowing you can't stop both, then they light you up with the other. They now even have a trap game off of the run to go with their 4 receiver sets. May have been other things but the offensive scheme McGee worked under was a sound one in today's football. Put character, integrity, and leadership with a national champ Zone Read (Spread Option) QB and let the draft tell the rest of the story.
Posted by: Pablo On: 4/26/2009
Comment Title: Happy for McGee & Family
What dream come true! Go Cowboys!!
Posted by: Pablo On: 4/26/2009
Comment Title: Disagree with you about Romo
Been to several Cowboy football games, watch them religiously on television.. the buzz that Romo creates is real.. he's tough to contain, can throw from almost any angle.. the fact that he has only started less than 3 seasons worth and been to 2 Pro Bowls, 2 playoff games.. Gotta disagree with you on the "care less" statement. Read his quotes in context and I think you may come to a different conclusion. I like Romo, think he will win the big one soon enough.. we'll see.
Posted by: drlgsideways On: 4/26/2009
Comment Title: Aggies Now Cowboys
McGee and Bennett were drafted primarily based on their UNTAPPED potential. Though highly recruited and highly rated coming out of high school both of these fine young men had disappointing college careers with regards to productivity and statistics. IE (Mr Miller) they were drafted this high in spite of the fact they were both wasted assets in Francione's pathetic offense. You have to be happy for them that their God given athletic ability was able to mostly neutralize the stigma of having been in Fran's offense. Tony Romo should take note and be prepared to spend a lot more time with Jessica. I wonder if she will follow him to the next stop in his NFL career. The Cowboys now have a smarter, athletic and fiery young QB on the roster. Stephen has shown he can will a team to victory and will do everything possible to win. The only thing you have with Romo is athletic. Romo could care less about winning and you can't ever accuse him of being real smart either.
Posted by: miller58 On: 4/26/2009
Comment Title: MOST RIDICULOUS POST OF APRIL, "HOW MUCH DID SHERMAN HAVE TO DO WITH STEPHEN BEING DRAFTED?"
My personal opinions:_____Sherman had Zip!_____Nada!_____Neyt!_____Nicht!_____Etc. to do with Stephen's development as a quarterback!_____A Kansas City nfl official was saying back in the early spring of 2008 that "McGee would be their starting quarterback today"_____The Aggie Spin Machine just had to have written that post connecting Mcgee being drafted to Sherman?_____The same Aggie Spin Machine that wrote that the "emphasis is on recruiting" with the hiring of our each of our 10 recruitless coaches?_____miller58
Posted by: miller58 On: 4/26/2009
Comment Title: STEPHEN MCGEE REJOINS MARTELLUS WITH THE COWBOYS!
My personal opinions:_____Stephen will rejoin Martellus with the Dallas Cowboys!_____In the spring of 2008, after watching Stephen in practice, a Kansas City nfl official said Stephen would be starting for us today!_____Both Stephen and Martellus were signed, coached and developed by Coach Fran!_____miller58
Posted by: miller58 On: 4/26/2009
Comment Title: RE; Sister
My personal opinions:_____Sister, you're right on it!_____miller58
Posted by: Sister On: 4/26/2009
Comment Title:
Run, catch, throw trumps character, integrity, and honesty in the nfl and in a lot of colleges. If you disagree, just look at some of the perps taken early and some of the really fine young people taken late. You could see it coming for two days. If you need a quarterback you get him early even if he could only lead his team to five wins his senior year. A weak year for the position in the draft but dallas with 12 picks today will maintain relations instate and sell some tickets and jerseys off of the choice withot sacrificing anything and everyone knows its about the dollar. Just ask Bill.
Posted by: miller58 On: 4/26/2009
Comment Title: MCGEE IS SIMPLY A WINNER< ANYBODY THAT SAYS DIFFERENT WAS COACHED BY A LOSER!
My personal opinions:_____A&M HAS HAD 3 head coaches and several quarterbacks in the past decade!_____Only one of those quarterbacks and head coaches won as many as 9 regular season games in a single year in the last decade, rising up from the depths of the other quarterbacks and head coaches?_____Do you know who Was this quarterback and head coach?_____miller58
Posted by: Sister On: 4/26/2009
Comment Title:
Mcgee did not get hurt on the run. He got hurt in the pocket. A bad offensive plan decision considering player types available. This is also a team sport. Your individual stats are less important. Other zone read or option quarterbacks faired well in drafts past. You throw the ball plenty of times in that offense as witnessed by the numbers in the above article. The most significant problem mcgee will have to overcome is his injury that cut short his senior year and fran is not responsible for that.
Posted by: On: 4/26/2009
Comment Title: McGee's Lost Sr. Year
Previous staff? You must be kidding. Fran would have had him slogging through another wasted year of the zone read, banging up his body even more. We'll come to think of the Fran years as another episode of "Lost."
Posted by: Sister On: 4/25/2009
Comment Title:
Using above stats. McGee threw 338/339 times per year as a soph and jr. Stafford threw 383 times as a senior. Not a lot of difference. McGee completed 60% and Stafford 61%. Not a lot of difference. McGee's completions went for 11.37 each and Stafford 14.72. Not a lot of difference. Stafford's coach provided him an offensive line to work behind as a senior. McGee's coach stuck him in a pocket behind no line and he got hurt. Big difference. Wonder what he would have done as a senior. Seems the previous staff had him ready for a good senior year. We will never know.
Posted by: On: 4/25/2009
Comment Title: Fran
That Fran sure knew how to evaluate and utilize talent!
Posted by: Pablo On: 4/25/2009
Comment Title: McGee a Dallas Cowboy!
Man wouldn't that be great! I hope he goes early.
Posted by: On: 4/25/2009
Comment Title: Wow
With a vertical jump of "33 feet", it really is amazing that McGee didn't have more collegiate success!
The blame game
