McClain gives credit for rapid development to Steele

December 30, 2008

By Ken Rogers

Enjoyed talking with middle linebacker Rolando McClain, who is featured in Wednesday’s Dothan Eagle.

He knows football like Rainman can count match sticks. How else can you explain a kid who starts at middle linebacker in Nick Saban’s defense as a true freshman? He is rarely out of position and loves to punish the man with the ball.

But I was struck by his self-awareness. He called himself “weird” and admitted that he likes to be left alone. 

McClain credited his development to working closely with defensive head coach Kevin Steele. But he credited Steele for also dragging him out of his shell.

“Coach Steele did a great job with me. He taught me a lot of stuff. He sat me down in meetings and we just worked from there. He’s a great coach. We bonded together in a weird way. That’s how we learned so much so fast.“

In a weird way?

“I’m not a big people person and he’s just an outgoing, crazy guy. Something like, he got me to come outside my shell. A lot of coaches aren’t able to do that. And he did it. It’s not just business with him. In the meeting room or practice we can have fun. That’s what I like. That’s why I like being around him so much. That’s why he’s such a good coach.“

There are reports that Steele may not be around much longer. Clemson reportedly is making a big push for his services.

Defensive coordinator Kirby Smart said he and Steele work well together.

“Oh, it’s been awesome. Kevin and I, obviously when I was at FSU he was there. I was a GA there. We worked well together then. Good friends,” Smart said. “When I was at Miami and we thought things were going to happen he called me. We both talked about coming in together (at Alabama under Nick Saban). We worked well together.

“Kevin Steele’s a great guy. A lot of our decisions are made defensively among us three and Lance (Thompson) and Bo (Davis) as well. It’s a collaborative effort. Everybody shares information. Steele’s a great guy. A great person, a great friend of mine, a great football coach.”