The New Class: Jonathan McLaughlin
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Height: 6'4"
Weight: 288
Position: Offensive tackle
Hometown: Fork Union, Va.
High School: Fork Union Military Academy
Rivals.com Rating: Three stars
Prep School Ranking: 14
Recruited by: Shane Beamer
Has your size changed at all?
Yeah, that's actually my junior year weight and height. I'm now 6'5"1/2 and about 295. I actually just got weighed yesterday.
What does your workout routine entail?
Right now, I do a lot of leg stuff and chest and core stuff. I do a lot of Russian twist and ab stuff to get my core right. I also squat a lot and keep my legs moving because that's the weakest part of my body right now. Also, my bench press and DB lifts, I just try to work that all in one day then go to power cleans, hang snatches and platform stuff the next day.
When do you plan on reporting to Virginia Tech?
I'll be there Friday.
What do you plan on working or improving on through this summer?
The first thing I wanna do is get stronger. I'm basically gonna be playing with grown men and I'm turning into a man myself. The No. 1 thing is just getting stronger. The second thing is continually working on my foot speed. I think I have tremendous foot speed, but I wanna get it top notch.
How would you describe your playing style?
I'm a quick player. I like to beat you with my speed more than strength. But I can also use my strength too and I switch it up sometimes. My first step is what wins the battle. That describes me, my first step off the ball and beating my defender with speed and technique and strength.
What are some of your goals for your freshman season at Virginia Tech?
The first goal I have is I wanna make the dean's list. Other goals are coming into the roster, I don't plan to redshirt. I'm gonna work out hard, continually get faster, keep my 40 up, work on my shuttle and all that kind of stuff. Then, I wanna learn the system quick and learn the plays as fast as possible.
What player or team are you most looking forward to going up against?
I'm looking forward to that Alabama game, the first one to start it off. We're kinda going in there as an underdog and that's motivation for the whole team. We know we've gotta work this off-season and spring practice because I just know the ACC can hang with the SEC. Everyone thinks that the SEC is just such a dominant conference. For a player, I'm not sure, I don't think we play Clemson next year and I know a lot of guys from there.
What's your favorite food?
I like nachos a lot. Some jalapenos on there is good too.
What is your favorite movie?
I'd have to say "The Dark Knight" right now.
What is your favorite TV show?
Let's see, ESPN is my No. 1 show.
What's the one song you're getting amped up to before a game?
Anything with Rick Ross in it. I don't have a specific song.
What would be three words to describe you?
Let me think...athletic, funny and smart.
If you could date any celebrity, who would it be?
Megan Goode.
If you could go toe to toe in the ring with anybody, who would it be?
Like a boxer, or anybody? Mike Tyson. I wanna try him out and see if how hard he can hit. I wanna push him.
What's been your most memorable experience playing football?
My first start junior year against our rival school.
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