Former Mavs' Star Making Waves at Virginia Tech

When Virginia Tech takes the field against Alabama this August to start the football season, Mauldin's Jonathan McLaughlin could be starting at offensive tackle for the Hokies.

Though just a freshman (following a year of college prep at Fork Union Academy to improve his grades), the former star of Mauldin High's offensive line has been turning heads in spring practice, earning first-team reps and putting upperclassmen on notice.

"He’s got toughness to him, athletic ability. He’s got size. You like his mentality," head coach Frank Beamer told The Virginian-Pilot newspaper of the 6-foot-4, 310-pound specimen. "He’s come in here and established himself pretty quickly.”

With several starters now gone, competition is wide open at the Hokies' tackle spots. And McLaughlin has distinguished himself so far this spring, giving him a great shot not only at significant playing time, but perhaps a starting role.

"First off, he’s a very, very confident, competitive kid," position coach Jeff Grimes told the paper. "Steps in with the first group and doesn’t flinch at all, doesn’t back away, no matter who he’s going against. And has a lot of want-to, a very strong desire to be a good player and just one of the hardest workers on the o-line right now."

Asked if McLaughlin could see action against the national champions in the season opener, Grimes said McLaughlin is "certainly going to be in the mix. And he's got a great opportunity to win the starting job."

Article here.