Interview: Future is Bright for 40-Offer 4-Star 2022 Texas TE Trent McGaughey
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The complete package plus upside and unlimited potential, those are just a few things college football scouts are seeing in Trent McGaughey. McGaughey took 5A Texas football and the recruiting trail by storm last season as a versatile tight end/H-back for Shadow Creek High School. The Pearland squad romped on the competition for a 16-0 season seeing their new 6-3, 230-pound, talent take to his position like a natural. McGaughey was strong blocking in the run game and emerged as a go-to target on passing downs securing nine catches for 192 yards with two scores. Besides the rings and trophies, the results for McGaughey has been four-star recruiting status and 40 offers on the table.
In an RNG first-look, McGaughey takes us inside his offseason workouts as the Sharks prepare for their season opener against Houston powerhouse North Shore.
Interview
Trent, the Sharks, pardon the pun, ate up the competition in 2019 with an undefeated season finishing with a No. 31 overall national ranking by MaxPreps. How has last season’s perfect run helped motivate the team this offseason?
We want to keep that record going, so we keep grinding and are staying focused. We take each game one by one.
College programs are loving what you are bringing to the field. What do the various coaches tell you they like about your talents?
The majority say I am really good at blocking and running routes. They know I am a versatile tight end, a hybrid player.
When you entered into the offseason, what did you focus on improving with the small details to your game as a tight end?
Knowing that I am playing a different role this year, I focused on more of my route running with no false steps, working on getting in and out of my breaks, and lifting weights.
What roles are you taking on this season?
This season I am playing slot, tight end, plus my H-back position. Slot is new for me.
Which style of offense are you guys executing?
We are still running a spread.
Last season you were running seams, delays, crossing routes, and some screens, which routes will you be running this season?
Including all of those routes, corners, digs, wheel routes, and comebacks. I am running all types of stuff.
What kind of strength and weight lifting program are you executing?
All body workouts, I have weights at home too. I’ve been doing a lot of running and conditioning too.
Where are you seeing the overall improvements in fall camp with your game?
When I go back and watch film on myself running my routes, looking at last year, I am not breaking down as much. My route running has really improved.
Let’s talk recruiting. Are there any schools still showing interest but have yet to offer?
Yes. Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Florida State, and Clemson are showing interest.
You have a ton of offers, how many are you holding?
Forty.
McGaughey’s Offer Sheet: Arizona State, Arkansas, Auburn, Baylor, Boston College, Colorado, Duke, Florida, FAU, Georgia Tech, Houston, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, LSU, Maryland, Memphis, Miami, Michigan, Michigan State, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Texas, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, Oregon, Pittsburgh, Purdue, SMU, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas Southern, Texas Tech, Tulsa, UNLV, USC, Utah State, UTSA, and Virginia Tech
Before the dead period began in March, did you get to take any unofficial visits?
Yes. The schools I visited were Texas, Texas A&M, Houston, Oklahoma, and SMU.
If visits were allowed next week, are there any schools you’d like to see?
Right before the virus, I was going to visit Arizona State, Oregon, and Florida. I’d like to visit those three first and go back to LSU After that, I do not know yet.
You guys jump out of the gate on the 25th with a showdown against North Shore. How is the team looking as you prepare for the season opener?
I feel like we look really good. We had a scrimmage on Friday, we played well. We will be ready.
What kind of game are you expecting against the Mustangs’ defense?
I feel I can have a big game against them.
This season, how are you preparing for each game?
Practice, watch film every day, prepare, recover, and workout. I don’t go really hard with my workouts, but I do enough to stay strong and in shape.
What do you want to accomplish this season on the field?
I want a ring and for us to go back to back. For me, I want over 15 catches this year and to improve as a receiving tight end. This is only my second year playing tight end, I am still kind of new to it.
Trent, you are looking like a natural out there. Keep up the hard work. Thanks for your time today.
Thank you.
Photo credit: McGaughey family; Trent McGaughey