We all know that offensive lineman at the college level are pretty much rough and tough guys who get beat up quite a bit and Irish 2013 commit Colin McGovern is no exception.
In the second round of the Illinois state playoffs this season, against an undefeated Kaneland team, the 6-foot-6, 285-pound Lincoln Way-West standout helped lead his team to a big 31-15 victory, but in the process suffered a pretty significant injury to his knee.
With his desire to help lead his team to a possible state championship, McGovern decided to play through the pain the next week against Joliet Catholic Academy. Unfortunately, they lost the contest, 21-20 in overtime, so all that was left was the long road to recovery.
“I'm still in physical therapy right now for my knee, so I haven't really been able to do all that much yet,” claimed a disappointed McGovern. “I've been working on my upper body, but I haven't been able to do much lower body work because of this injury. Basically, I'm trying to get my knee in somewhat good condition, so that I might be able to participate in the Under Armour All-American game. Right now though, it hasn't been improving over the last month.
“I have a slight tear of my PCL and meniscus, and I have a bone contusion as well. This has caused a double amount of fluid in my right knee than normal, so they have to get that fluid out. They tell me something’s still aggravated in there and that's why there's so much fluid. The plan is to get all the fluid out and start working on my quad strength again.”
The talented Illinois lineman took some time out of his rehabilitation schedule to travel up to South Bend this past weekend for Notre Dame's end of the season banquet and thought the whole thing was very impressive.
“The way they set it up this year, like a professional award show you'd see on ESPN, was pretty creative and I think it flowed pretty well,” he shared. “It really was a great way to spend my Friday night at Notre Dame and see all the great players honored.”
Not only did McGovern get to experience the pageantry of the event, he was also excited about reuniting with his “new family” again.
“I think the relationship we've developed in the class of 2013 is pretty special,” stated the offensive lineman. “Coach (Tony) Alford told us all at dinner that he's never seen a recruiting class that so close knit and he's been at a number of places where they've had good recruiting classes. I personally think we have a special class here and we’re going to do big things in the future.”
He also got the opportunity to welcome Greg Bryant, the five-star American Heritage running back and newest Notre Dame commit.
“I only got to speak to him for a little while, but he seemed like a really great kid.” he said of Bryant. “I'm really happy he decided to join the Irish mob.”
The talented lineman has made many trips up to South Bend the season to support the Irish at home games and also do his part in recruiting, but each time he arrives on campus, he feels he learns something new.
“Honestly, when I committed, it didn't register that Notre Dame had a 99-percent graduation rating among student athletes,” explained McGovern. “That in itself is a terrific reason to choose Notre Dame and academics is one of the main reasons I chose them. I mean a diploma from Notre Dame means you're pretty well set for the rest of your life.”
McGovern's claims he's ready to begin that next step.
“Now that high school football’s over and done with, I'm ready to get up there and do my thing,” he claimed confidently. “I'm already missing the game and I know I have to prepare my body for college football. I'm really pumped about getting up to Notre Dame next summer and starting to work with these guys.”
