McGlynn Can't Wait To Play For Philly

Talking to former Pitt offensive lineman Mike McGlynn after the National Football League Draft these days is almost like listening to the band Timbuk 3's only hit song.

After being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round with the 109th overall selection, Mike McGlynn believes his future is so bright that he has to wear shades.

"I'm excited to be an Eagle,'' he exclaimed. "This is a lifelong dream.''

McGlynn was understandably enthusiastic about the start of his NFL career, but other aspects of his life are going well, too. He graduated from Pittsburgh with a degree in criminal justice last August, but says he'd like to continue working in athletics as an executive when his playing days are completed.

In January, McGlynn married his high school sweetheart, Megan. And there is the little matter of finishing his collegiate career by ending the national championship hopes of his team's arch-rival. "That was my most memorable moment, along with beating Notre Dame during my redshirt season,'' McGlynn said. "(And) just having a great career. I started 42 of 47 games. I had a great career at Pitt.''

And he enjoyed nearly everything about the experience, especially playing in front of the Pitt's football fans.

"I just want to say thank you to everyone for a great five years,'' McGlynn said. "We weren't as successful as we would have liked. I would have liked five straight bowls. Pitt fans deserve it. They're great fans.

"The only thing I'm disappointed about was we didn't win more. But Pitt's a great place with great people. I'd like to say thanks to Pitt fans for the way they treated me.''

And any criticism levied by the Panthers' knowledgeable fans likely is good preparation for his stay in Philadelphia where Eagles fans once booed Santa Claus at a game. "I like honesty,'' McGlynn said. "Fans (in Philadelphia) are die-hard, and they deserve a team that will win and deserve a Super Bowl.''

McGlynn, a right tackle for much of his collegiate career, says Eagles offensive line coach Juan Castillo has told him he'll likely play guard or center in the NFL. With two-time Pro Bowler Shawn Andrews on the Eagles' right side, McGlynn likely will have to be a left guard if he hopes to start.

McGlynn played left guard during the Senior Bowl. He can also play center or snap for placements and punts. The Eagles were the only team to call McGlynn during the draft, which is surprising when one reads the bio written about him for the pros.

It mentions that McGlynn was graded at 90 percent or better in four straight games during the 2007 season, the first Pitt player to achieve that feat since Mark May's Outland Trophy season in 1980. Forty-nine of his blocks accounted for touchdowns, which is slightly better than one per game.

"I came in with (former Pitt coach Walt) Harris and (offensive line coach Tom) Freeman,'' McGlynn said. "They taught me a lot. Coach Freeman taught me how to read film and how to pick up defenses.''

And that should help McGlynn continue his football career in the NFL. He already has signed his first NFL contract and is ready to go to camp next month.