While most of his teammates have significant college or professional football experience, Columbus Lions receiver Preston McGann fits in just fine without either.
McGann, who played baseball in high school and college, jumped directly into semi-pro football only three years ago. And if someone didn’t tell his teammates — or they didn’t recognize him from his stint on a football reality show — they likely would not have guessed it.
“If you didn’t know he had never played football until a few years ago, you’d think he had to have played high school and college football,” returning Lions quarterback Todd Spitzer said. “He has the same speed to have played college, and he has the ability to learn new things quickly, which is sometimes even more important than any of the physical stuff.”
After a strong preseason showing and what coaches described as an impressive training camp, McGann, 26, is looking to prove he’s well ahead of the learning curve as he makes his regular-season debut with the Lions tonight when Columbus hosts the Louisiana Swashbucklers at 7:30 at the Civic Center.
Getting into the game
After playing two years of baseball at Seminole Community College in Sanford, Fla., McGann had surgery on his right shoulder. While rehabbing, he began throwing around a football with a friend. He then met some players from the semi-pro Orlando Rage, who encouraged him to try out for the team.
McGann spent three years with the Rage, winning a pair of MVP awards as the team won two Southern States Football League championships. He then became a contestant on the reality show “4th and Long,” hosted by former Dallas Cowboys receiver Michael Irvin. McGann was cut in the second episode, but he received some encouraging words from Irvin and the exposure helped him land a spot with the Lions.
“Being on that show was really good for me,” McGann said. “I learned a lot while I was on it, and I got noticed.”
Lions coach Jason Gibson saw McGann on the show, which aired on the Spike cable channel, and was impressed enough to invite him to a Lions tryout.
“I know a lot of other teams wouldn’t take a chance on a guy without arena or any real football experience, but I saw his films and I thought he could play,” Gibson said.
Fast start
In his preseason debut with the Lions on March 8, McGann caught five passes for 113 yards — both game-highs — and scored a pair of touchdowns as Columbus rolled over the Greenville Force 63-6.
“Watching the film, I thought he did excellent,” Gibson said. “He’s got some things to work on, but he did a great job running the routes, and playing aggressively and attacking the ball instead of just letting it come to him.”
McGann has provided more depth to the Lions’ receiving corps, and his presence has given the team’s defense a challenge during training camp, according to Lions defensive backs coach Rayshun Reed, a former Russell County and Troy player with NFL experience.
“All my guys see what he can do every day at practice, and they really respect his strength, his speed and his ability,” Reed said. “Even since the beginning of camp, I’ve seen some significant improvements.”
McGann said his teammates have been more than helpful at practice, and he’s honed his game on their advice.
“Everyone has been helping me a lot, showing me new things,” McGann said. “They’ve been teaching me how to run my routes and telling me little ways to get better every day.”
Hungry for more
There is a next move for McGann, but he said he is too busy soaking in new things and looking forward to the Lions’ season to worry much about it yet.
“Right now I’m just trying to learn every thing that I can,” McGann said. “I guess outdoor football would be the next step, and I’d like to get a chance to play in the United Football League or the Canadian Football League. But right now I’m worried about learning the indoor game and getting better here.”
McGann has the potential to be a star for the Lions and all the assets, mental and physical, to continue improving, Gibson said.
“He’s eager to learn and he’s hungry,” Gibson said. “I think he’s got all the tools — he’s 6-2, 200 pounds, very athletic. When someone has those tools and is that hungry, they’ll succeed.”
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