Rarely does the Trojans' Yellow Brick Road lead to the Emerald Bowl. But in 2009, facing Boston College in San Francisco on a day better known for great shopping deals seems about right. Go inside for Tom Haire's extensive preview of the Trojans and Eagles.[details]
A short, thick linebacker who isn't fluid in coverage, McLaughlin struggles to keep his legs under him and has a tendency to overextend when asked to change directions. He isn't rangy in pursuit and is slow to get out of his breaks. He looks stiff and top-heavy when trying to close on the ball, and the more space he's forced to play in, the less effective he is. McLaughlin showcases good power in his lower half and does a nice job filling run lanes at the line of scrimmage. He's a very powerful wrap-up tackler who does a great job of breaking down in the hole and bringing his legs through contact. He has the lower body power to take on blocks and hold the point but lacks length and struggles to stack and shed. He has a nose for the ball and displays good instincts inside but can be easily sealed from the ball vs. offensive linemen. McLaughlin is no more than a two-down player at the next level because of his lack of range and fluidity in coverage.
A short, thick linebacker who isn't fluid in coverage, McLaughlin struggles to keep his legs under him and has a tendency to overextend when asked to change directions. He isn't rangy in pursuit and is slow to get out of his breaks. He looks stiff and top-heavy when trying to close on the ball, and the more space he's forced to play in, the less effective he is. McLaughlin showcases good power in his lower half and does a nice job filling run lanes at the line of scrimmage. He's a very powerful wrap-up tackler who does a great job of breaking down in the hole and bringing his legs through contact. He has the lower body power to take on blocks and hold the point but lacks length and struggles to stack and shed. He has a nose for the ball and displays good instincts inside but can be easily sealed from the ball vs. offensive linemen. McLaughlin is no more than a two-down player at the next level because of his lack of range and fluidity in coverage.
var CurrentYear = 2013;
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