Interview: 2018 Illinois 3-Star SDE Gavin McCabe is a Breakout Star on the Recruiting Trail

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

A breakout junior season on the gridiron for Class of 2018 defensive end Gavin McCabe has turned into a feeding frenzy out on the recruiting trail for the Chicago native. McCabe went from a backup during his sophomore season to an explosive playmaker during the 2016 campaign leading to 25 scholarship offers thus far. We’re about to find out how it all played out in an in-depth one-on-one interview.

McCabe truly became a star in the making during the 2016 season roughing up opposing 8A competition for 69 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 20.5 tackles for a loss, and two fumble recoveries. His Red Hawks team posted a 9-5 record last season morphing into one of those teams nobody wanted to play with McCabe being a big reason why. For those not in the know, the stat line racked up is impressive for an end. Another note for those not in the know, once teams started to realize just how good McCabe really was out there, they started running the other way. McCabe pieced together a fantastic season using his size, power, and speed setting the edge against the run, taking on double-teams and chips in the trenches, and crashed down hard on hopeful running backs trying to go the opposite direction.

Once the news and highlight reel got out on McCabe, college teams flocked to Marist High School to learn more. Safe to say all have been impressed with what they found in the 6-3, 250 pound, talent with teams like Arkansas, West Virginia, Iowa State, Columbia, Boston College, Purdue, Indiana, Miami (OH), Ball State, Bowling Green, Western Michigan, Toledo, Cincinnati, Illinois State, Northern Illinois, Kansas Rutgers, Colorado State, and Washington State all extending offers.

The offer sheet could grow in the coming weeks with teams like Tennessee, Wisconsin, Virginia, Minnesota and Texas Tech, among others, showing interest. But the curious better make a move quickly because McCabe might be rolling up his recruitment soon.

Interview

Gavin, when did you crack the field at the varsity level?

“I was on – my sophomore year I was with the varsity. Two weeks before the season started, I was playing tight end then, but I have always played along the offense and defensive line. We were a state team that year and there were some really good upperclassmen ahead of me. I played JV for the first six games and from there on I was with the varsity for the last three games of the regular season and through the playoffs.”

So last year really was a breakout year for you?

“Yeah. A lot of people are surprised when they find out I mainly played JV my sophomore year.”

What kind of defensive scheme does Marist run?

“We are more about our personnel. Last year Micha Awodiran, he’s going to Yale, he was a big key on our defense. We did really well against the run. We did not have much challenge against the run in 2016. We went up against the veer and option a lot but did not see much spread. The base we work out of is a 4-3.”

Where all do you lineup on the field for Marist?

“Where I played depended on the situation. Defensive end was my main position. In Nickel I would go to tackle.”

Which attributes of your game are your best?

“I’d say for me it is my motor. I’m always going 110 percent. It does not matter if we are down by 50 or up by 50. Coaches that have seen my film see that. I refuse to lose. Throughout my entire life, no matter what, I have hated losing. I will do whatever it takes to not lose. I always keep going and going.”

From a technical standpoint, what are some of the things you do well as an end?

“My explosion off the line is one. I do well at that and getting into position. I fire off and get my hands in there to find the ball to make a tackle. I do a good job of tackling.”

What are you working on this off-season to improve your game?

“I’m really working on everything. I’m in the weight room lifting and working on my speed. I’m trying to lose fat and add muscle. I’m not trying to lose weight but cut body fat.”

Have you maxed out in the weight room this spring?

“I did last week. My bench is 336, my squat is 500, deadlift 500, and my clean is 245.”

Nice. Have you been to any exposure camps yet this spring?

“I was at the Nike Opening combine last week (Chicago).”

How did you do there?

“That went really well. I thought I ran well. My rating was a 95.25 overall. I thought the one-on-ones went well. I learned a lot. I did not feel like any of the other players were any worse or better than me. It went really well.”

Do you have any upcoming camps scheduled?

“I’ve been invited to the Under Armour All-American camp but I’m not 100 percent sure I’m going. I’m going to Arkansas that weekend. It kind of depends how long we stay in Arkansas.”

What about college camps, might you attend any of those camps?

“I don’t think so. I did most of them last summer. I’m hoping to have my decision made by June to not have to worry about it. I don’t want to be a distraction for the team. If a school comes in between now and then, is that a school I could see myself going to – then yes. But I have nothing planned with college camps yet.”

Which schools are showing interest in you but have not offered yet?

“I’ve been talking to Wisconsin, Minnesota, Tennessee, Texas Tech, and Virginia. Those are the main ones. I have heard from other schools wanting transcripts, but those are the ones I have been speaking to and closest to but have not offered me.”

How many offers do you have?

“I have 25 offers. There are two offers I have not tweeted out.”

Are there any schools that have offered showing a little more attention above the rest?

“Yeah, there are some schools showing a little more attention than the others. Some of the smaller schools that offered I have not heard from much lately. Iowa State, Arkansas, Indiana, and Purdue – those are the main ones. Kansas, Boston College, and Syracuse as well.”

Which schools have you taken unofficial visits to this spring?

“I went to a Junior Day at Miami-Ohio, Indiana, and I went to Wisconsin two weekends ago. I saw Wisconsin practice. Over the fall I went to games at Iowa State, Kansas State, and Michigan State.”

How did the trip to Wisconsin go?

“It went really well. That is a school I would love to go to. I fell in love. I was almost mad that I went because I fell in love with the school especially if I don’t get an offer. Wisconsin is a school that I would really like to get an offer from. I liked it a lot.”

Do you have any upcoming visits planned? You mentioned a trip to Arkansas coming up.

“Arkansas, Indiana for their spring game, and I am going out east to Boston College and Syracuse. I’m not sure if I will make it Rutgers or not. I’m talking to Duke as well. If they offered I would love to visit them North Carolina and Virginia. None are planned visits but those schools are programs I might go take a look at. Kansas, Iowa State, and Iowa are schools that I am hoping to look at some time soon.”

What has you excite about the Arkansas unofficial?

“I’m really excited to see Arkansas. I have heard so many good things about the coaches and school. I’m excited to meet the coaches and see the campus and their facilities. I’m just excited to check it out.”

What dates are you planning to be in Fayetteville?

“April 21-22.”

After your breakout season, your recruitment has been a massive build up. How is the recruiting process going for you so far?

“It really has been humbling and flattering to have these opportunities. It can be stressful at times. With each visit to a school, you really like it and you can see yourself there. That makes it even more difficult. The process has been awesome and I appreciate all the opportunities the schools are giving me. I’m enjoying the process overall.”

What are you looking for in that dream school?

“Obviously academics. It is true, you have to go to a school with good academics. I’m looking for a school that I feel comfortable at. You have to feel comfortable at the school and feel close to the coaches. I want a close relationship with the other kids on the team, a nice campus, and a nice school to go to.”

Which position are most teams recruiting you to play?

“The majority are saying defensive end. Not as a pass rush end but as a strong-side end.”

Earlier you mentioned wanting to have your decision made by June. Is there a reason behind committing in June?

“No specific reason. That is my hope. Maybe by July. I’m 100 percent on committing before the season starts. I don’t want to have to worry about talking to coaches and taking visits. I want to be focused on my team and winning each week.”

Are you playing any other sports for Marist?

“Track and field. I am throwing the shot and the discus.”

How is track season going?

“It is going really well. This is my first year doing it. I played baseball and wrestled. I stopped this year to focus on football. Our football coach is one of the track coaches. He asked me to come out. I’m enjoying it.”

Gavin, thanks for your time today and good luck with your track season and upcoming visits.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: scout.com; No. 59 Gavin McCabe pre-snap (2016).

Photo credit: scout.com; Gavin McCabe at Indiana.

Photo credit: twitter.com; No. 59 Gavin McCabe firing off the ball (2016).