Senior Grant McFarlin makes the switch in 2015 from running back to linebacker, and he has no problem with it. As a matter of fact, he still sees some snaps on the offensive unit. McFarlin has taken full advantage of his new opportunity. Through five games, he is third on the team in tackles with 42, including 4 for a loss. He also has sacked the quarterback twice, pressured once and knocked down one pass.
We caught up with McFarlin to discuss his new role and plans for the future in this week's Q&A.
Southlake Style: Talk about playing two positions and makingbrthe overall switch.
Grant McFarlin: The coaches came up to me after the season last year andbrasked me if I wanted to play linebacker because [Lil']Jordan [Humphrey] was killing it lastbryear; just destroying. We needed athletes on defense too. I made the switch andbrit’s been a lot of fun, but also hard because I haven’t played defense since eighthbrgrade. It’s been a challenge, but I’ve loved every minute of it. Sometimes you get used tobrgoing through the motions in practice, but being a linebacker keeps you on yourbrtoes. It’s been a blessing for sure.
SS: Talk about your successes so far at your new position, as you are third on the team in tackles.
McFarlin: It all comes back to practice really. What you do inbrpractice is definitely going to show on the field. I take practice seriously. Thebrstats reflect that. Ibrjust go out there and make every play I can. Stats aren’t what I worry about.brThe win is the more important stat, really.
SS: Talk about the honor of being named a team captain this year.
McFarlin: It’s an amazing honor to be selected by my teammates as abrcaptain. Some amazing athletes have come through and been captains. It’s abrgreat tradition to be a part of, but it’s also a great responsibility – leadingbrthe guys and mentally being there for them. Everything about you is scrutizinedbrto the highest degree. You really have to be on point always. It’s an amazingbrexperience to have.
SS: What's your outlook on the defense's gameplay so far and moving forward?
McFarlin: The defense, I think, has played well but always we can get better.brIn the future we’re looking forward to seeing the way we can respond. We’vebrgiven up a bunch of points in the first half...brWe’re trying to focus on coming out strong and being better from start tobrfinish and also being disciplined in the run and reacting to the pass. Overallbrdiscipline for the defense is a big sharpening point.
SS: What are your plans for college, a major/career, and your future in football?
McFarlin: Right now I’m not planning to play football in college. High school has bene an amazing experience for me. I want to study engineering. I’m looking at abrfew colleges for that. Probably mechanical. I’ve always been great at math andbrscience. I enjoyed taking physics last year. It was one of thebrfirst times I really enjoyed a class. Engineering ties into that a lot. It’s abrcool profession to go out and design things and figure out how they work.brThat’s always been interesting to me.
SS: Are you involved in other sports/activities?
McFarlin: I run track. I do the long and triple jump. I’m anbrFellowship of Christian Athletes leader, I do a few bible studies... I’m big intobrfaith-based organizations. I think it’s a great way to help spread Jesusbrthroughout the school. I’m in young men’s service league for community service, which is an awesome opportunity.
SS: What are some things you'd like to do before you leave Carroll?
McFarlin: Obviously I want to leave my legacy on the amazing Dragonbrprogram. Any impact I can have there is definitely a goal for me. Also be an examplebrfor Christ in my teammates especially. I know it’s a great opportunity for me to be abrleader to my teammates and I want them to see Him through me.
SS: What would you tell the eighth graders who will come in as freshman after you're gone as good advice?
McFarlin: Just to treat every day as an opportunity. Every offseasonbrworkout, every 200 you run, every sprint, pushup, bench, workout... everythingbryou do adds up and becomes who you are as a football player. Take that as abrmindset, as this is an opportunity to get better instead of this being a grind.brIt’s my greatest advice to give to people.
SS: Any last thoughts and/or word of thanks?
McFarlin: I got a lot of people to thank, but mainly my lord andbrsavior, Jesus Christ, and my parents. They’ve been great to me.