I don’t know if the 49ers quietly guarantee his 1st season with the team, in return, or if SF really do “love” him. I do think they would have a hard time cutting McKillop since he is the only player they have doing “Rookie Camp Diaries.”Plus he claimed the top score of 176 among the rookies in a bowling night.
His latest diary includes a little love to Pitt’s strength and conditioning program.
Although I couldn’t run at first, I was riding the exercise bike and eventually I started working out again with my strength coaches at Pitt (my alma mater). What I did back home is very similar to the weight training we’ve been doing in the morning here. We lifted every morning at 6:30 to be exact. I’m happy I stuck with their weight program while I was home and I have to give them some recognition because they are some great coaches. They definitely helped me prepare for the lifting we’ve done out here.
Which is not too surprising. Buddy Morris has been doing it a long time, and he has been in charge of NFL programs (okay, it was the Browns, but it still counts).
There was an excellent puff piece on McKillop from last week. Sounds like he’s got a good agent counseling him on his money stuff. To say nothing of what his parents have probably tried to teach him.
“I bought a computer, but that’s about it so far,” said the former Pitt and Kiski Area star linebacker. “I’m not getting a car or anything like that. I am going to invest it in the bank.”
…
McKillop said the only thing guaranteed in his contract is his signing bonus. But he guarantees he will go all out every play. And he’ll earn his keep.
“I know I am very fortunate to get this opportunity,” he said. “It’s my job. Only I am putting on spikes, not dress shoes. Football is fun, but it’s a business, too. I want to invest properly and spend my money correctly, not go out and waste it.
“The average NFL career is 3.2 years, and the average player goes broke 80 percent of the time when he’s done playing.”
McKillop will get to play for one of the greatest linebackers of all-time in 49ers coach Mike Singletary, who already has become famous for his postgame rants. He may have to move to inside linebacker because the 49ers use a 3-4 scheme.
“Scott is exactly what you want, from an attitude and physical standpoint,” said McKillop’s agent, Dave Dunn.
Apparently, going to SF, also means trying to grow a beard.
Seriously, sometimes these “feel-good” stories are just what we need to remind us of how positive college athletics can be and why we are fans. I’ll be rooting for the ‘Niners and Scott this year!