MCGLOTHLIN WILL DO HIS PART
Following is a reprint of an article by BRIAN WOODSON
in the Bristol Herald Courier on Jan. 1, 2004
It takes more than talent to play football. It takes the right attitude, a strong work ethic and a big heart.
Matt McGlothlin has an abundance of all three, and has used them to become an important part of the defensive line for the Tennessee Volunteers.
"You couldn’t ask for no more," said McGlothlin, a redshirt freshman defensive tackle from Richlands. "I love it, man. I couldn’t ask for a better first year. It’s like a dream come true."
A football player and wrestler at Richlands High School, McGlothlin knew he didn’t have the talent needed to play at a school like Tennessee. But he had all the other attributes.
"He does a good job, and he’s such an effort guy. He gets a lot out of what he’s got," Tennessee defensive line coach Dan Brooks said. "Ability-wise, he might not have as much as some of the other guys out here, but he doesn’t care. He gets a lot out of what he’s got and he’s a great effort guy."
McGlothlin spent one year at Fork Union Military Academy, and then decided to walk-on at Tennessee. He redshirted last year, but didn’t waste his time.
Not only did he begin his major in biochemistry/cellular and molecular biology, he also lived in the weight room, hoping to show what he could do when spring practice came around.
He did.
"He comes to work every day with a great attitude, whether it’s the weight room, whether it’s practice or whether it’s a game," Brooks said. "We love the tempo he plays with and he’s made himself a place on this football team."
Even Brooks admits that the 6-foot, 290-pound McGlothlin wasn’t originally in the plans for the Volunteers, but he refused to be ignored. With Tennessee having lost its entire defensive line for the second straight year, the opportunity was there, and McGlothlin took it.
"We probably didn’t expect much from him, but we knew we were losing a lot," Brooks said. "We knew some young people had to step up and he has. Matt’s done a real good job of seizing an opportunity when there was an open door."
It’s now official.
McGlothlin was still regarded as a walk-on when the season began, but has been rewarded with a scholarship.
He’s earned it.
McGlothin has played in all 12 games, starting against Florida and Kentucky, recording "only" seven tackles, but has done his job, occupying the offensive line so the linebackers can make plays.
"It’s been crazy, it’s been up and down, a solid season, but I’ll never be satisfied. Hell, I can be All-Pro and never be satisfied," McGlothlin said. "I’m always wanting to get better, I didn’t make that many tackles, but I thought I did my job all right all season."
McGlothlin’s first season at Tennessee will reach its climax on Friday, as the Volunteers (10-2) play Clemson (8-4) in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl in Atlanta’s Georgia Dome. The disappointment of missing out on a so-called "bigger" bowl has dissipated. Now the Vols want to go out with a win.
Rest assured, McGlothlin will do his part to make it happen.
"A win in this game would end it perfectly for me," McGlothlin said. "To finish with 11 wins and be in the top 5 in the nation, you couldn’t ask for anything more."
