2008 Woodie Awards
Offensive linemen lead by example
By: Daniel Monson
Issue date: 4/4/08 Section: Sports
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The CMU junior offensive lineman had spent two seasons at Joliet Community College in Joliet, Ill., before transferring to Iowa State for the 2007 spring semester.
But after throat surgery forced him to return home to Downers Grove, Ill., McMahon was considering attending a Division I-AA school to play right away.
"I came back home and I ran into (quarterback Dan) LeFevour," McMahon said. "We're from the same neighborhood. We played peewee football together, but I hadn't seen him in two years."
After a little convincing from LeFevour, McMahon visited Mount Pleasant and knew right away he would fit in. His decision was made easier when high school friend and defensive lineman Mark Dietz decided to transfer to Central from Minnesota.
"I really liked it, so I decided to take the sit-out for the season and started fresh," McMahon said.
McMahon was forced to sit out the fall season because of NCAA transfer rules, but participated in practice as a member of the scout team.
"There's always a transitional period that you go through," said coach Butch Jones. "Even though he was on scout team, he's now trying to do two or three things at once. And that's what makes the offensive line such a demanding position."
McMahon is competing for the starting right guard position vacated by departing senior Eric Tunney. He said spring practice has brought more pressure than he's familiar with, but seniors Andrew Hartline and Greg Wojt have been helpful on the line.
"I think he's going through that process right now of trying to condition himself, not only physically, but mentally as well," Jones said. "But Joe has a ton of ability, so he just needs to continue to get better in each practice throughout the rest of the spring."
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