Name: Gage McClanahan
School:  St. Norbert
Position: QB
Height:  6’3″
Weight: 220

Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?

Well I was a grad transfer and left a program where I was already the starter, but my first goal coming to St. Norbert was to win the job, which I did. For team goals, I wanted to lead us to a conference championship game and I did that with the help of my team. We planned on making a long playoff run but we lost in the conference championship game in heartbreak fashion. I wanted to be all conference and did that as well. I wanted to have 6 or less turnovers and did that. I also tied the school record for completion percentage.

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

My coaches and players would definitely say I play with an edge and a lot of swagger. Not the kind that causes issues, but the kind of swagger where others can follow and know their QB is confident in the team. They know I’m going to lay everything on the line as well as being one of the most prepared. A lot of my teammates say I have a gunslinger mentality when I play.

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

When watching film, I focus more on figuring out what defenses do and little ways they tip off their coverages and pressure looks. I think once you master your own offense, it’s better to watch defenses instead of yourself because if you figure out the other teams defense, the games come easy. If I am watching myself and trying to see what I could better, I focus on my throwing mechanics from the waist down. I think using your legs when you throw is the most important part of the position. I also make sure I’m manipulating the pocket when I play because you’re not always going to have a clean pocket to deliver the ball. It’s important that you can deliver the ball in any situation.

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

I think what sets me apart from other prospects is, 1. My physical qualities, I think I can play the position just as good as anyone or even better than some of the FBS prospects. 2. I think I have a lot of intangibles that others don’t have. I’m very smooth, efficient, calm under pressure, and most importantly a student of the game.

Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?

My plans this offseason includes training here at St Norbert with our one of a kind strength and performance staff. I’m working on my masters currently so I’m staying on campus to finish that while I am doing my training. My schedule will consist of 4 lifting sessions, 3 runnings sessions, then 5 throwing sessions throughout the week.

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

I think some strength and abilities that I could bring to team include, the ability to throw from any platform and at any angle. I come from a baseball background, so I think I’m able to make some “Mahomes and Rodgers” type of throws. I also have the ability of escaping the pocket and creating something out of nothing whether that is scrambling when the pocket collapses to make a throw or scrambling to get a critical first down. I think my leadership though will be what my team will notice the most. My teammates know that I’m going to do whatever it takes to get the job done.

Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL or any other pro leagues?

Finally, if I had an NFL scout or GM right in front of me, I’d tell them to not overlook me just because I played at a smaller school. It’s not about where you play, it’s about how you play and I think I play the position just as, if not better than these other D1 pro prospects. I’d tell them to throw away all the numbers and just look at how I operate and lead a team. I think if they spent a day with me and watched how I practice, study the game, and play, they couldn’t say no to me. I’m a confident guy and just need one opportunity to show what I can do.