Big Time Prospect From the Panhandle

One of the biggest but most mysterious prospects in the state of Texas is Amarillo Boys Ranch OL LaQuan McGowan. The 6'6 330 pound OL who is a three year starter for the Roughriders had a big junior season earning first team all district honors on both sides of the ball along with first team all-area honors as selected by the Amarillo Globe News.

McGowan who also plays some defensive line and kicker for Boys Ranch is also a member of the Boys Ranch basketball team. In fact as a sophomore McGowan who sports a size 22 shoe was sent a pair of shoes to play basketball in by Shaquille O'Neal. The junior from Boys Ranch however hasn't been so lucky finding football cleats his size. "As a sophomore I wore size 19 cleats because it's the biggest the coaches could find, now I've got a size 21 so that's a lot better. Wearing the size 19 really hurt my feet," said McGowan.

LaQuan who is extremely athletic for a player his size describes himself as a strong run blocker first and foremost. "I really like to get downfield and make blocks to spring big gains, that's probably one of the most fun things for me. I'm really looking to work onn getting more flexible and getting quicker this offseason," replied the junior from the panhandle.

The fact that McGowan is attending school in a remote part of the state hasn't kept the recruiters from sending mail. Missouri, Kansas, Iowa State, Wisconsin, UCLA, TCU, Texas Tech and Oklahoma have all shown interest in the mammoth offensive lineman. McGowan says the recruiting process has been overwhelming and at this time he's hesitant to name favorites.

"I know about Texas Tech since they are close, they'll probably be the only school I can attend a junior day at. I know about TCU a lot also, I want to major in religion so I'm definitely interested in learning even more about them also," said McGowan who mentions aside from education location will be a deciding factor in where he lands. "There's not much I know about a lot of these schools, I'm just going to put things in God's hands and if I get an offer I'll commit when the time is right."