Name: Adam McLean
School: University of Maryland
Position: DT
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 300

Q: In your final collegiate season, what goals did you accomplish this fall or set for this upcoming spring?

In my final season I felt that I had accomplished learning how to become a Pro learning how to practice and prepare for a game throughout the week like a pro how to hydrate and eat the proper foods that will give me energy and have my body feeling ready by game day. I believe it’s a process to show up on game day and execute. Straight line focus throughout the week of preparation for ultimate success on Saturday nights. Although the win column did not sit well with me individually, I felt that I played some of the best football I’ve played in my life. Understanding the scheme of defense we are in and how everyone’s roles affect each other directly gave me a sense of urgency and eagerness to do my job to the best of my ability. Some Goals that I have set for this spring are to continue to get in better shape and become a stronger leaner 300LB DT that can play more explosive and faster. Also, making sure that I’m being a great attitude effort and enthusiasm towards my craft and my daily living outside of football.

Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?

My coaches and teammates if they had to describe what kind of player I am would say I’m a very physical player who loves to tackle. Very instinctive on the field to the point where I can diagnose plays sooner than a lot of other people can and be able to sift my way to locating the ball carrier before he sees me. “TreeChop” was a nickname for me based off the fact that everyone I went to tackle would be taking down mid cut because they had never seen me coming. I’d be playing so low and wrapped up those ankles before the ball carrier could break loose. I believe that my coaches and teammates also we say that I have a passion for the game like no other and that I am a student of the game always in the film room right after games and practice sending clips to my coach asking questions about steps and where to put my eyes on certain block combinations and concepts. Making corrections right after the game has been played and just an all around guy who loves to get better at his craft and takes the game serious.

Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on to improve your game?

When studying film, first we like to break down the 1st and 2nd down runs just to get a plan in place for when they run the percentage of what type of run in this situation and then what blocking schemes do they use for these types of runs. So essentially with this you can minimize the game to fundamentals and technique. After we break down run, we break down pass and what percentages do they pass on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd down and where the Slide protections are being slide to, to help us with rush lanes pre snap if it’s a pass situation. After that, I break down the offensive linemen individual strengths and weakness and tell tell signs that allow me to play faster and quicker. Linemen are really good at making their blocks look the same, but a simple hand placement on their thighs can tell you whether or not it’s pass or run simply because everyone’s in their stance differently to do the same job, so someone has a tell that can be found.

Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?

I think what separates me from other NFL prospects is my football IQ and my commitment to the game of football. I believe that my passion for learning more about the game and about my position is through the roof, I love playing my position and the art of it. I am always looking for ways to improve on my game every day whether it’s the mental aspect of it or the physical. I am a tireless worker who understands how to prepare like a pro and that’s to eat for success, train for success, read for success, and not success within the game life success. Being a Pro to me isn’t doing all the right things for your sport, being a Pro to me is when you are doing all the little things right for a better life. Being a Pro at Life focusing on the details everyday in life makes it a habit it becomes just the way you operate and will fall right in line with your everyday work as a professional athlete everyday and that’s why I feel that I’m different than a lot of Prospects in this years upcoming draft.

Q: What is your plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities, especially with the virus limiting pro days/training facilities/etc?

My plan is to take all precautions as far as being safe and healthy to be able to train everyday. Although the pandemic has gendered a lot of things nationwide controlling the controllable has allowed me to continue to work on my game day in and day out with a strict workout plan throughout the week. Dieting to become a better version of myself has helped and fueled me through some tough training sessions. Also Position training with Bear Spence Academy has evolved my game into something I could only see in my dreams the creativity that Coach Spence has and the detailed teaching has helped my game reach another level and I am thankful to have an opportunity to work with him through out the week with the pandemic still very heavy in our world today.

Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?

I fully believe that I am capable of blowing up a run play or making life uncomfortable for running backs and Offensive linemen. I feel that my skill set stands out on film. I have the size to plug the A and B gaps while also containing the speed to come off the edge, set it, and wreck plays. I play with a nasty intention and have violent hands when contacting the offensive line. Some of my best traits are his mindset and football IQ. I feel that I always seem to be in the right place at the right time, and he never takes the bait on trick plays.

Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL/CFL or any other professional leagues?

First and foremost to whatever team decides to pick me, I am honored. It’s my belief that you earn the right to play this game, you don’t just get the right to. It is with that you can hang your hat on knowing that you are getting a player that loves the game of football and will do what needs to be done everyday to be the best version of himself for the organization, my teammates and coaches, and for my family. For every team out there, I’m going to bring my lunch pale to work everyday and demonstrate a person of less of words and more of action. I have been waiting for the opportunity to enhance my game mentally and physically and the only way to do that is where the best in the world play and I believe that I will become a professional by focusing on my attitude, effort, and enthusiasm everyday on and off the field. To all 32 NFL teams and other professional leagues, you won’t find a better person for your organization. I am an all around team guy who loves his teammates, showing up to work, getting better everyday, and a man of faith and belief in the most high. Also, a family man who believes in the organization being apart of my family, you do what you have to do and lay it all on the line for them.