"I think I am good at both positions,
but naturally I am more instinctive on defense than I am on offense," added
Thad McHaney.
Thad has seen a lot of good times during his high school
career.
"I took over the starting role at tight end the
last four games of my freshman season. Going into my sophomore year, I knew I
had to be more dependable, more consistent. We had a great senior class, and they
taught me how to work and learn. I really improved that year. We won the state
championship, and last year we made it to the Finals. We do not lose around here
too much (laugh)."
McHaney chipped in 12 sacks on defense and 10 receptions
with 1 TD on offense, but it is at tight end where Brentwood Aca will showcase
Thad's talents.
"I am going to mostly play offense this year. They
want to develop some depth on defense, but I will come in on a lot of situational
downs. I will just do what ever they need me to do. I just want us to reach our
potential and gel. I want to enjoy my last year because it is going by so fast.
I just want to enjoy every moment of it."
The 2007 All-State selection
had a bruised knee this summer so he only participated in one camp, but he did
get to take in a few unofficial visits.
"The only camp I went to was
Ole Miss', but I did not do any of the combine stuff. I also visited Tennessee's,
Kentucky's, and Louisville's campuses this summer."
McHaney's performance
at the Ole Miss camp earned him a scholarship.
"They called my coaches
last week to let me know that I had a scholarship. I actually went down there
the day before the camp so I could meet their coaches and tour the campus. I went
down there last year for the Ole Miss/LSU game, but I never really had a chance
to look at all of their facilities. They have a really nice campus and it seems
like a real laid back town. Coach Austin and I have a really good relationship.
They also have a lot of real good young talent, and I think they are going to
turn it around next year. I was pretty impressed."
Thad's offer list
could grow by one this week.
"UCLA said they were sending my offer
in the mail this week. I have a total of 11 right now. They are Tennessee, Vandy,
Ole Miss, Auburn, South Carolina, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Louisville, Marshall, Oregon,
and UCLA."
McHaney was also impressed with Tennessee during his visit
to Vol country.
"Tennessee was kind of the same way as Ole Miss. I
visited with all of the coaches that I really had not gotten to know from before.
They always have a chance to win the SEC or national championship. Their resume
is impressive. Coach Clauson and I have a good relationship. They are high on
my list as well."
Louisville also made a lasting impression with Thad.
"There
are some really great people in their program. The new defensive schemes that
Coach English is bringing in is exciting. I would not mind playing for him. It
is going to be a very aggressive defense, just the way I like to play. I know
for sure that I will go back to Louisville and Ole Miss for official visits."
Who
else will McHaney officially visit?
"I am pretty much open right now.
I am starting to narrow my list down. I have 11 offers right now, and a lot of
other schools are close, so I want to wait and see how that plays out first. Then
I will narrow it down when I take my ACT test in September."
How did
the Kentucky visit go this summer?
"They showed me all of their facilities,
the weight room, coach's rooms, just all of the football facilities. They have
real passionate fans. That is what sticks out about Kentucky. They also went to
two Music City bowls the last two seasons so they have really turned it around
up there. I was impressed with Kentucky."
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