2017 National Signing Day Profile: Mike McGinnis
/Written by: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)
Mike McGinnis, 6’2”, 235 pounds, Allentown, NJ (ASA College), ILB, 247Sports Composite Ranking: 3-star (81.82)
The 2016 recruiting class saw the addition of Richard Lagow and Ian Thomas, a pair of prospects from junior colleges. The Hoosiers have dipped into the JUCO ranks once again, adding interior linebacker Mike McGinnis. The 6’2” mid-year transfer arrived on campus for the semester that began in January and he’s already working on getting ready to be a member of the 2017 linebacker rotation. McGinnis starred for the ASA College Avengers for two seasons and had 86 tackles (including 17 TFLs) in 2016 before committing to IU over offers from Bowling Green, Louisiana-Lafayette and New Mexico.
IU’s defense received a big boost when All-American linebacker Tegray Scales decided to return for his senior season and lead the middle of the defense. However, Marcus Oliver opted to enter the NFL Draft and both T.J. Simmons and Dawson Fletcher were seniors in 2016. That left only four linebackers on scholarships and both Scales and Chris Covington will be seniors in 2017. McGinnis brings a hard-hitting presence with extensive playing experience to the linebacking corps and he has two years of eligibility remaining. Scales will start and Covington’s performance in the latter part of the 2016 season suggests he has the inside track on the other spot. McGinnis will battle with Covington, Dameon Willis, Reakwon Jones and true freshmen Mo Burnam and Thomas Allen for snaps and he provides much-needed veteran depth to this group.