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| DT Stacy McGee during off-season activities. Photo by Tony Gonzales | |
The Oakland Raiders selected DT Stacy McGee out of the University of Oklahoma with their sixth-round (205th overall) pick of the 2013 NFL Draft. The 6'3", 310-pound defensive lineman played in 34 games over five years (including a redshirt year) at Oklahoma and recorded 65 tackles (29 solo), 2.5 sacks for 20 yards in losses and four quarterback hurries.
General Manager Reggie McKenzie believes in what McGee can do on the defensive line, which he expressed during his post-draft press conference. "We like some of the things that Stacy can do in the middle," said McKenzie.
McGee wants to showcase his abilities on the interior of the line during Raiders training camp. "I'm a physical run-stopper, but if I have to, I'll get on the edge and rush the passer," said McGee.
The rookie was unable to put in extensive on-field work during off-season activities due to a foot injury, but he committed himself to being mentally prepared. "I pretty much just watched and learned, getting mental reps and studying my playbook as much as I can," said McGee.
Despite being slowed by his injury, McGee feels he is prepared for the challenges of the NFL. He thinks his time at Oklahoma under head coach Bob Stoops and defensive line coach Jackie Shipp (now with the Arizona State Sun Devils) provided him with the tools necessary to excel. "I had a really good coach in Jackie Shipp," said McGee. "He taught me a lot of techniques. He taught me all the little things I needed to know as far as getting off the ball, being physical and playing with your hands and just never giving up and working hard to the ball."
McGee is staying connected to his Oklahoma roots, having both grown up and played college ball there, but he feels good about joining the Oakland Raiders. "It felt good [getting drafted by the Raiders]," said McGee. "It felt really good, actually, to get drafted period. But I guess it didn't really sink in until I got to Oakland and I was walking in the facility and it was like, 'wow, I'm in the NFL…wow.'"
"Actually putting the jersey on and seeing my number in a different color - I'm used to seeing crimson and cream and now it's Black and Silver - it felt good," added McGee.
Outside of football, McGee's family is most important to him. "[When I'm not playing football], I like to fish, play video games, sleep, be with my family," said McGee. "More than anything, just play with my little brother, talk to him. Anything I can do to be with my family..."
While he is away from his family for the season, McGee is looking forward to being a part of the Silver and Black legacy. "I'm learning things about the history of the program, including the fans, what it means to be a Raider and I'm ready to be a part of it."
And he is ready to experience Raider Nation. "Oh yeah, we have the best crowd and the best fans in the NFL."
With training camp only a week away, McGee is looking forward to earning his spot on the 2013 Oakland Raiders 53-man roster. "I'm here, I'm ready to work, and I'm ready to make a difference on this team."
