As a rookie with the Carolina Panthers in 2011, defensive tackle Terrell McClain started 12 games and recorded a sack. Three seasons and three teams later, McClain comes to Dallas with 12 career starts and one career sack.
But Kevin Patrick, the defensive line coach at North Texas, believes McClain will thrive under Rod Marinelli. Patrick knows both well. He coached McClain at University of South Florida in Tampa, and often visited Marinelli--then the defensive line coach of the Bucs--at Buccaneers’ camp.
If anyone can maximize McClain’s potential, Patrick says, it’s Marinelli.
“He fits what Marinelli does,” Patrick said, per the Dallas Morning News. “I’d be shocked if the Cowboys aren’t happy with McClain.”
Among the reasons Patrick thinks McClain will fit in so well with Marinelli’s system is his size. He’s built like a tank, listed at 6-foot-2, 293 pounds.
“Look at Marinelli’s track record and the body types he’s coached,” Patrick said. “I can see why Marinelli likes Terrell and had a say in his signing. Terrell fits athletically. He’s a big dude now.”
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