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A hamstring injury forced him to miss the team’s opening game, but he returned the following week and moved into the starting role for the final eight games. He finished with 42 tackles, including 17 solo tackles, forced two fumbles and recovered three fumbles.
McGarrell first heard from Northern Illinois in October. However, because the NCAA extended player eligibility an extra year due to the pandemic, the program’s 2020-21 class was full.
“They didn’t offer me a scholarship right away,” McGarrell said. “They offered me a walk on for 20-21 and would put me on a scholarship in 21-22.”
While he considered the offer, McGarrell heard back from the school a month later and this time things had changed.
“Near the end of November, the Thursday before our last game, the head coach (at Northern Illinois) started texting me and the defensive co-ordinator to be ready and then the coach called to say they had a full-ride scholarship,” McGarrell said. “I think it was because I had ability to come early (in January) and try to make a difference.”
It was a long and winding journey, but McIntyre said McGarrell should be proud of his accomplishment.
“He’s obviously a motivated kid,” McIntyre said. “Athletically, he’s a good athlete. He runs well, but his desire was the next level.
“You know how have you have those guys that look back 30 years and say, ‘I wish I would have?’ He can look back and never have to say it.”
jpparker@postmedia.com
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