Marshall University Athletics
McPeek Attempts to Overcome Surgery, New Position
8/19/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
McPeek Attempts to Overcome Surgery, New Position
8/19/2003
Converted left tackle Nate McPeek battles with a defender during team drills on Tuesday. (Photo by Brandon Parro) |
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. -- Thundering Herd offensive lineman Nate McPeek is in the midst of his final pre-season camp at Marshall, so one would expect his senior campaign to closely follow his previous three years in Huntington, right? Not for this selfless force up front, who is coming off surgery and is making the difficult transition from right tackle to left tackle in order to help Marshall to its seventh straight Mid-American Conference East Division title.
?I feel more comfortable each and every day,? McPeek said about the position switch. ?I?ve been a three-year starter at right tackle and I?m at a new position for this year, so I still have a lot to learn.?
McPeek credits defensive teammates Marcus Hairston and Jamus Martin for bringing good competition to the practice field, which aids him in his conversion to the left side.
?Those guys (Hairston and Martin) should have a lot of sacks against the tackles this season, they?re tough,? McPeek said.
The 6-foot-4, 317-pound secondary education major is not only coping with the difficulties of a new position, but the hardships associated with returning from surgery. McPeek underwent a back operation only four months ago, and, according to his doctors, is 1-2 months ahead of schedule in his return to the field.
?It?s the first time I?ve been hurt in my football career,? McPeek said. ?It?s taken a lot out of me, but God has taught me patience because I won?t be where I want to be at (physically) until well into the season.?
The off-season surgery put McPeek?s 39-game games started streak in jeopardy, but his dedication to rehabilitation and love for the game has put him on track to tie, and, with a post-season game or two, break former teammate Steve Sciullo?s streak of 52 consecutive games started. McPeek says that it takes knowledge, leadership ability and luck to keep a streak such as that in tact.
Perhaps McPeek?s biggest challenge is the fact that 2003 is his ?money? year, in that his performance this season will greatly affect his future in football.
?If I want to go on to the next level I have to prove myself against high quality competition like Kansas State, Tennessee and Western Michigan?s All-American defensive end,? McPeek said. ?If I have a good year personally, then I think that means the team will do well on the field.?
McPeek and the rest of the Herd will continue to prepare for success on the field with a scrimmage Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. Later Wednesday night, Marshall players and coaches will be on hand for the 6th annual ?Paint the Capital City Green? pep rally and tailgate event. To purchase tickets and for more information, persons may call (304) 696-7138 or (866) 443-7310.
