Sunday, January 24, 2016

Former UConn DB McClain headed to Super Bowl

It would be an understatement of incredible proportions to say it's been an interesting season for former UConn defensive back Robert McClain.

McClain was signed by the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots after three productive seasons with the Atlanta Falcons but he was among the last players to be cut. After getting a couple of tryouts, he was signed by the then undefeated Carolina Panthers. Now he is headed to the Super Bowl after Carolina's 49-15 win over Arizona in the NFC title game.

McClain had six tackles and two pass breakups (one which nearly resulted in an interception) giving him 14 tackles and three PBUs in two playoff games.

I caught up with McClain this summer when he volunteered at the football camp run by former UConn receiver Marcus Easley and he talked a bit about the move from Atlanta to New England.

"There are changes all over the NFL, it happens every year but the only thing I can control is what I can do," McClain said. "I had a good career in Atlanta. It is part of the business, guys go to different teams and they move around a lot."

I asked him about the advice he would give to players like Byron Jones and other UConn defensive backs looking to make it onto an NFL roster.

"It is work ethic, if you have the right work ethic and can take coaching especially at the DB position," McClain said. "You are going to get beat some times against great receivers but if you work hard at your craft, being smart, working hard and contribute any way you can

"Everybody wants to see their college with a lot of guys. I know guys back at UConn, I talked to Byron a little bit and it is good seeing UConn guys getting into the pros because we all have that same work ethic."

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