LB Colin McCarthy has added six pounds and now weighs 243. McCarthy also weighed 243 in 2009 at Miami, but feels healthier now due to the Titans' strength and conditioning program. “I was too big (in '09), it wasn't a good weight (due to lesser conditioning),” McCarthy said. “The first thing you notice is your hamstring will go when you're overweight. My hamstring feels good.”

McCarthy's top priority in the offseason is building strength so he won't get injured. McCarthy missed three games in 2011 with a sore hamstring and played through a minor knee ailment. In 2008 at Miami, McCarthy redshirted after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. “My strength numbers have gone up,” McCarthy said. “I'm just trying to take care of my body.”


(cbssports.com)

am going to being doing a few more of these film studies, so if you would like me to do a specific one, please do not hesitate to suggest it. I will read all suggestions.

We will start this series off in style with MCM's favorite linebacker, Colin McCarthy and his hit on Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. Follow me through the jump for pictures and analysis.



The Bills start with 4 wide and 1 in the backfield. On the other side of the ball we have ATV and McCourty on the outside, with Finnegan playing in the slot. Griffin is playing center field as he is not even in the picture to prevent the big play. McCarthy is standing at the 29 yard line.



The ball has been snapped and McCarthy has not moved at all, he is letting the play develop and waiting for someone to cut across field. Notice Fitzpatrick standing tall in the pocket.



I would first like to point out how quickly the pass protection broke down. Look at the previous photo, the clock says 2:16 and Fitzpatrick has all day to throw it. Within the next second, you can see how quickly things went bad as he begins to run for his life. McCarthy does a nice job of picking up Scott Chandler cutting across field.



With Fitzpatrick still scrambling, McCarthy has to stay back still covering Chandler.



At this point, McCarthy recognizes that Fitzpatrick is trying to pick up the first down on his own and takes off for him.



In this photo, we can see the hit McCarthy put on Fitzpatrick, thus stopping him from completing the first down.



But wait, there's more! Fitzpatrick fumbled the ball when he was hit, and McCarthy can see the ball is loose.



Several Titans defenders missed the fumble recovery, but Colin was in pursuit of it.



He recovers it 15 yards down field.

This sequence shows McCarthy's ability to stay back in coverage, but he knows exactly when he needs to take off for the quarterback. Very impressive to see from a rookie linebacker.

Like I said before, suggest any plays you want me to look at.


(musicictymiracles.com)

Colin McCarthy likes to call them “splash” plays, the kind of moments that can pump up a defense, deflate an offense and turn a game’s momentum in a matter of seconds.

Despite starting just seven games last season as a rookie, he made plenty of splashes — leading the Titans with eight tackles for loss and adding two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and an interception.

As the expected full-time starter at middle linebacker for 2012, McCarthy is hoping to make an even bigger impact on a defense that ranked 18th overall last season.

“You have to make plays in this league because the way the offenses are now, it’s all so high-scoring,” McCarthy said Tuesday, prior to participating in the Christmas 4 Kids Celebrity Golf Tournament at Pine Creek Golf Course.

“So whether you’re getting interceptions or sacks or causing fumbles or whatever, they’re all key to winning games. It’s something the coaches stress and something we work on, so to add a few more of those next year would be great.”

McCarthy’s ability to make those kinds of plays is what separates him most from his immediate predecessors.

Stephen Tulloch was a tackling machine, but he never forced a fumble while playing 80 games — and starting in 46 — over five years. And Tulloch never produced more than seven tackles for loss in a single season; McCarthy had eight in limited time last season.

Barrett Ruud started more games at middle linebacker for the Titans than McCarthy did last season, but he didn’t cause or recover a fumble and only recorded two tackles for loss.

“That’s what you need to do, those little splash plays,” McCarthy said. “They’re out there. Throughout the game, there are opportunities to make interceptions, opportunities to get the ball out. You just have to stress that, and to have that mentality when you go in for tackles.”

McCarthy got a crash course as starting middle linebacker last season, forced into the role earlier than expected because of the injury issues that eventually landed Ruud on injured reserve.

He piled up 76 tackles — the fourth-highest total for any Titans rookie since 1999 — while admitting the transition from college life to the pros wasn’t easy.

“Everything seemed like it happened fast last year,” McCarthy said. “You get here and you’re learning the defense, and you’re learning your way around the city, too. There’s so much other stuff going on besides football.”

That’s why McCarthy is looking forward to a full offseason with the Titans coaching staff, something he was deprived of last year because of the lockout. He wants not only to learn more about his responsibilities, but also about the roles of his defensive teammates as well.

“Understanding what everyone is doing out there, I think that’s going to be real important,” McCarthy said. “Last year we were kind of throwing new things every week and trying to get a grasp of them. I knew them, but I didn’t know them inside out.

“I couldn’t understand where a safety might be dropping or ... where my help is, taking on certain blocks. That’s going to be key as far as the new year and to understand that stuff.”

In separate interviews last week, General Manager Ruston Webster and Coach Mike Munchak both said McCarthy, despite his youth, might be looked to for leadership on a relatively young defense.

McCarthy said if that happens, so be it. But he’s not actively trying to change himself to serve that function.

“I think it sometimes comes with the role of being a middle linebacker because you make the calls and get everyone lined up,” McCarthy said. “But in the NFL, and with these guys, there are veterans who’ve been in the league for 10 or 11 years. Those guys don’t want to hear you talk. They just want to see you play and the results.

“... I’m going to continue to do what I do. If players on the team want to follow me or look to me, I’m more than happy to take on that role.”


(tennessean.com)

Many players, like Derrick Morgan were able to shine last year, but players like Colin McCarthy are going to come in handy next to Morgan. While an injured Barrett Rudd had no choice but to look on, McCarthy gladly stood up and took charge of the middle linebacker spot.

He has no doubts that next year will be any different.

Last week at the NFL Scouting Combine, head coach Mike Munchak told reporters, “We thought he came on in a big way last year.”

He was originally thought to have helped out with special team but with Rudd’s injury, it promoted an immediate opening of opportunity. He recorded 76 tackles, eight of which were for loses, and a team high.

“You saw he made plays. He found a way to knock the ball loose, create some fumbles and make some interceptions. He took control and didn’t act like a rookie out there.” Munchak said.

When the NFL reporters go to McCarthy, he voiced that he has tried to take full advantage to every opportunity that has been presented to him. I’ll tell you what, with Barrett Rudd in danger of free agency, McCarthy stepping up could very well be the best thing he’s ever done.

McCarthy told reporters, “There’s always room to improve, I tried to take advantage of the opportunities I had to make plays. As a middle linebacker, you’ve got to get everybody lined up, you’ve got to make the calls and I tried to do that this year.

Munchak apparently even seemed surprised on how McCarthy was able to stay on the field for as long as he did and they feel comfortable having him on the field for three consecutive downs. Munchak likes the way he runs the nickel defense and plans to continue using him in that role.

McCarthy is looking forward to the next season. He continues to train and study. He along with his coaches know that he is still young with learning to do, but everyone is excited for the direction in which he is heading.

“I just need to continue to work on everything — studying the playbook, studying offenses and defenses; I still have a lot to prove. Every week you have to prove yourself. The attitude coach Munchak brings to the players, you see results. You see guys working, guys pushing each other throughout the locker room it gets exciting. 9-7 was a good start for our first year, but we want to improve on that next season.”


(yardbarker.com)

Titans coach Mike Munchak said he believes linebacker Colin McCarthy is ready to start in the middle of the team's defense in 2012. 'We thought he came on in a big way last year,' Munchak said. 'When he came in we thought he would be more of a special teamer for sure and maybe help us with some depth at the inside positions at the will and the mike linebacker. But we had some injuries and he came in and played. You saw he made plays. He found a way to knock the ball loose, create some fumbles, some interceptions, took control and didn't act like a rookie out there. He has some learning to do – he’s a young man – but we’re excited about his progression, the way he finished the season and the energy he brings to the defense.'


(fantasysp.com)

The Titans believe they may have found a potential core player in Colin McCarthy. They figured they were going to take it slowly in developing their fourth round pick, but McCarthy, a football junkie, was intent on acclimating quickly. He was at the Titans’ facility when the coaches showed up every morning, he practiced hard and tried to absorb as much as he could from veteran Barrett Ruud. When Ruud missed time with injuries, McCarthy stepped in. He started seven games, showed excellent instincts, and made an impact.


(nationalfootballpost.com)

The Titans believe they may have found a potential core player to build their defense around in Colin McCarthy.

McCarthy acclimated himself quickly when Barrett Ruud missed time with injuries, starting seven games and recording 68 tackles and three forced fumbles. According to Pro Football Focus, McCarthy checked in as the NFL's No. 31 inside linebacker. He is fully expected to open next season as a starter in Tennessee's 4-3 alignment.


(rotoworld.com)

LB Colin McCarthy may anchor the LB corps for years. In just his third career start, McCarthy earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors after a win over Buffalo. The former University of Miami LB registered 11 tackles, two fumble recoveries and forced a fumble. McCarthy impressed his teammates with his passion for the game.


(cbssports.com)

It’s rare that an early read of a draft class matches up to the grade down the road.

But the Titans' rookie class of defenders is scoring very high. The 33 starts for Titans rookie defenders are the most in the NFL. Denver ranks second with 32.

Coach Mike Munchak and defensive coordinator Jerry Gray have not hesitated to rely on kids after a lengthy Jeff Fisher era where the coach was often reluctant to use an unproven player.

Part of it is that Tennessee didn't have the healthy, established and productive veterans who needed to be displaced to get rookies into the lineup.

Middle linebacker Colin McCarthy (five starts) benefited from a groin injury to Barrett Ruud, and now McCarthy looks to be a fixture going forward. Akeem Ayers (14 starts) was a second-round pick the team intended to start from the beginning. Jurrell Casey (13 starts) is a run-stuffing defensive tackle and Karl Klug (one start) is working as a nickel rusher on an interior where the team was thin.

With two games remaining, the group will surpass the franchise high since the Oilers became the Titans in 1999. In 2002, rookies started 33 games on defense, with safety Tank Williams accounting for 16.

Ayers is in line to become just the third defender in the “Titans era” to start every game as a rookie, joining Williams and defensive end Jevon Kearse (1999).

Two seventh-round defenders from the 2011 draft are also well-regarded.

Defensive tackle Zach Clayton has shown some promise. And while cornerback Tommie Campbell is coming off a terrible game where he got benched for special teams penalties, he’s got great speed and is a raw player the Titans think can be molded into a significant contributor.


(espn.com)

The Titans could still use a stud defensive player, and it really could be at any level. But thanks to good drafting of late, Tennessee has a solid nucleus on that side of the ball -- at all three levels.

This season, the Titans added Jurrell Casey to the middle of their defensive line and Colin McCarthy and Akeem Ayers to the linebacking corps. Casey made an immediate impact as an active run defender. A stout presence on the inside, Casey isn't just a stay-at-home plugger. Instead, Casey shows initial quickness and very good movement skills for his size.

Although he has yet to make my Rookie Watch, Ayers also made an immediate impact at strongside linebacker. Ayers' skill set is much like a 3-4 outside linebacker, but he isn't quite stout or physical enough for that duty on an every-snap basis. This role fits him quite well, and although he has some work to do in coverage, he is solid against the run and an effective blitzer with some dynamic qualities.

After spending the majority of the season behind Barrett Ruud at middle linebacker, McCarthy has burst onto the scene of late. He is extremely productive and would likely be high on the list below if not for his small body of work.

Again, the addition of one elite player could really put Tennessee's defense over the top, but when you factor in players such as Derrick Morgan, Jason McCourty, Alterraun Verner and another rookie defensive tackle, Karl Klug, from the past few drafts, there is a lot to be excited about going forward.



(espn.com)

OK, I realize heaping praise on any rookie is always dangerous territory.

Five years ago, the Tennessee Titans thought the quarterback position was solved and in good hands for years to come with Vince Young earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. And we all saw how that imploded.

But with the sudden and profound impact the 2011 Titan draft class has had on the team’s success this season, it’s hard not to praise the group.
And the player who has ascended to the top of the rookie class is middle linebacker Colin McCarthy.

The fourth-round pick from the University of Miami has been nothing short of sensational since taking over for an injured Barrett Ruud four games ago. So much so that Ruud is rapidly on the verge of becoming the Titans’ version of Wally Pipp.

McCarthy’s philosophy is simple: Find the man with the football and tackle him. And if you can take the ball away from him in the process, so much the better.

“There are a lot of plays to be made out there playing middle linebacker. I try to make all of them,” McCarthy says.

A succinct philosophy and one that fits the Titan defensive scheme like no middle linebacker since the team has been in Tennessee.

Once upon a time in the NFL, middle linebacker was the glamour position on defense. Guys like Dick Butkus, Ray Nitcchke, Mike Singletary – and more recently Ray Lewis and Brian Urlacher – come immediately to mind when discussing the position.

But in many schemes, that sideline-to-sideline middle linebacker has become a throwaway player – a guy too slow to remain on the field in nickel passing situations or someone to do the grunt work in a 3-4 while the outside linebackers rack up the impressive sack numbers.

But McCarthy has proven to be a throwback, and has also shown himself to be the difference-maker the Titans defense has lacked since the departures of Albert Haynesworth, Keith Bulluck and Kyle Vanden Bosch.

Sure, McCarthy has a ways to go before he can be crowned the kingpin of the Titan defense, but the rookie is already calling the defensive signals and doing quite well.

Also, in his last four games he has been in on virtually every big play the Tennessee defense has turned in. He has 42 tackles, five for loss, an interception, two passes defensed, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Not a bad season of work, and that’s just McCarthy in only three starting assignments to his credit thus far this season.

Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray knew he might have something special in McCarthy when he first put him into the lineup for Ruud. That’s because McCarthy’s practice time was limited because of an injured hamstring and a sore knee. So Gray couldn’t be sure just how much the rookie had picked up watching someone else work in the scheme while he took mental notes. Not exactly unlike the way Steve McNair used to absorb things through the week at quarterback when he could not practice but answered the bell on Sundays.

“What I like about Colin is he pays a lot of attention,” Gray says. “He had been injured for awhile, and you wouldn’t think he was paying attention, but all of a sudden, when you put him on the board and you quiz him, and he has the answer.

“That, to me, is a guy who is really astute to what is going on,” Gray adds. “If you’re injured and you’re paying attention to what you’re doing, now you become a better football player.

“As a rookie if you can do that, you can go a long way in this league, because a lot of rookies don’t have that ability to not practice and watch what’s going on, and then you put them out there and they make plays.”

For McCarthy, it’s just doing what comes natural and taking advantage of his opportunity and hoping it rubs off on his teammates.

“I think as far as the energy I bring and the energy the defense brings is huge. As far as forcing turnovers, as far as us playing with that kind of energy, it’s contagious,” he says. “You need to make impact plays throughout the game, and there’s a lot of plays to be made throughout the game. When you get the opportunity, you need to take advantage of it.”

McCarthy has certainly done that, and the Titans defense is better for it.



(nashvilleledger.com)

On Monday, Rosenthal revealed that he has a man-crush on Titans linebacker Colin McCarthy.

The league office approves of that message.

McCarthy has been named the AFC’s defensive player of the week, thanks to nine tackles, two fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble in a 23-17 win over the Bills.

McCarthy had 11 tackles, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries against the Bills. In the last four games he’s posted tackle totals of 12, 10, 11 and 11 while filling in for injured Barrett Ruud. McCarthy is expected to start again this Sunday against the Saints.

A rookie from Miami picked in the fourth round of the draft, McCarthy is the first Titan to secure the honor since linebacker Keith Bulluck in 2009.



(profootballtalk.com)

Rookie middle linebacker Colin McCarthy has only three NFL starts, but Titans Coach Mike Munchak thinks the fourth-round pick from Miami is playing like a seasoned veteran.

McCarthy was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week on Wednesday after recording 11 tackles, two fumble recoveries, a forced fumble and a pass defensed in Tennessee’s 23-17 win at Buffalo.

“One thing about him is that he’s had pretty good poise since he’s been playing,” Munchak said. “He’s just very comfortable. He’s one of those guys you put in and you go, ‘He looks like he’s been there for 10 years.’

“I’ve had linemen that have been that way. You put them in and you go, ‘Man, that guy just fits right in.’ Like when I put (Michael) Roos in there. The first day he came into practice in mini-camp, Roos went over to right tackle and you thought, ‘Oh yeah, he’s starting.’ There was just no doubt.”

McCarthy has forced a turnover in three straight games. In the win over the Bills, he stripped the football from quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and recovered it. Said Munchak: “It shows you what kind of player he is. He makes a great hit on the quarterback, the ball comes out and he recovers it when it’s 10 yards away.”



(tennessean.com)

Colin McCarthy is up for NFL Rookie of the Week. You can vote for him here. There is something seriously wrong with you if you do not click that link and vote for the best rookie linebacker in the league- at least 10 times. You don't have to sign up to vote, and there is no limit on how many times you can vote. So do it now, and do it often.

Here are his accomplishments from the game on Sunday:

McCarthy tallied nine tackles, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and one pass defensed in the Titans' 23-17 win over the Buffalo Bills.
Plus he gave Ryan Fitzpatrick a bloody nose.

In all seriousness, it is awesome that this team finally has a playmaking middle linebacker. You have to go back all the way to Randall Godfrey to find the last time that was the case. McCarthy and Akeem Ayers are going to be a force to be reckoned with over the next few year.



(musiccitymiracles.com)

Titans middle linebacker Barrett Ruud may be the next Wally Pipp.

Ruud is currently out with a groin injury and we suspect he won’t have a starting job to return to when he gets healthy. At least he shouldn’t get his starting job back.

Tennessee rookie fourth-round pick Colin McCarthy has been a revelation over the last month. Every time we watch the Titans on tape, McCarthy just pops off the screen.

We’re not sure the stats do McCarthy justice, but the stats are pretty impressive: He has 29 tackles, five tackles for loss, two passes defensed, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and an interception in his last three games. One of those games came off the bench.

It’s hard to imagine the Titans bothering to re-sign Ruud; he’s on a one-year contract.

McCarthy isn’t exactly a diamond in the rough — he went to University of Miami — but he’s part of a quietly impressive Titans draft class.

McCarthy, linebacker Akeem Ayers, and defensive tackles Jurrell Casey and Karl Klug all look like solid building blocks for the team.


(profootballtalk.com)

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. Rookie middle linebacker Colin McCarthy, making his third start in the last four games, recovered two fumbles and registered a team-leading nine tackles against the Bills.

“It’s just a matter of being around the football,” he said. “If you chase the football, good things will happen. Playing middle linebacker, your job is getting to the football.”

McCarthy started his second straight game in place of the injured Barrett Ruud. The rookie also led the Titans in tackles last week against the Bucs.


(tennessean.com)

Colin McCarthy has proven to be a very good football player as a Titans’ rookie middle linebacker. So much so he might wind up a magician, too. He might make injured veteran Barrett Ruud disappear.

McCarthy’s been the Titans' guy in the middle for the bulk of the past three games, and he’s been an upgrade over Ruud, who has missed time with a groin injury.

A fourth-round pick out of Miami, McCarthy’s an instinctive playmaker who is Tennessee's third rookie in the starting lineup on defense, joining defensive tackle Jurrell Casey and strongside linebacker Akeem Ayers.

Wednesday, both defensive coordinator Jerry Gray and linebackers coach Frank Bush offered big praise of McCarthy, who’s been reporting to work as early as 5:30 a.m.

“I think if he had come from another university other than the University of Miami -- those guys work with a swagger, and I am serious,” Gray said. “He feels like he belongs there. He’s not afraid to get up in front of the huddle and tell those guys, 'Shut up, let’s go.' That’s what it takes out of a middle linebacker -- ‘Just because I am a rookie doesn’t mean I am going to be a shy guy.’”

Said Bush: “He’s done an excellent job coming in and really not being intimidated by the gravity of the whole situation. It’s a tough job to come into a veteran group and be a rookie leader, and he’s done a good job being himself. He’s got a little bit of swagger, a little bit of confidence and all the guys seem to be listening to him.”

McCarthy’s more of a force in the run defense, but he’s also on the field when the Titans go to two linebackers in nickel or just one in dime, so he’s able against the pass as well.

In the three games -- two starts and an early entry as Ruud’s replacement when he aggravated his injury -- McCarthy’s got 33 tackles, four for a loss and an interception.

So long as he's healthy, McCarthy should remain in the spot.

His production is earning him the ultimate, simple praise from teammates that means a lot at the start of a career.

“He’s a player,” safety Jordan Babineaux said.


(espn.com)

Colin McCarthy MLB: It seems like the further you go down the draft report, the better value you see. Colin McCarthy looks like a stud and has amassed 33 tackles, a forced fumble, an interception and 4 tackles for loss. All of that has come from only 10 quarters of play. He has played amazing football and looks to fill the hole at MLB that the Titans have had since Keith Bulluck left.  Not only that but coaches say he, along with Jake Locker, is the first guy in the door and the and the last one out, going over opponent film, game plans and play calls. Had other GM's known he would be playing at this high of a level he would have been a top tier pick, but the Titans managed to get another late gem at pick number 109.


(tnjn.com)

The Titans might not be ready to make it official just yet, but it is coming.

Rookie middle linebacker Colin McCarthy needs to be the starter for the remainder of the season and beyond.

McCarthy has played the past three games (two starts) for the Titans while Barrett Ruud has nursed a groin injury.

Ruud was signed to a one-year contract just after the lockout ended and was expected to at least hold the position this season while the Titans evaluated what they had in McCarthy, a fourth-round pick from the University of Miami.

Now 11 games into the season, the Titans can be certain that what they have in McCarthy: a playmaker who is seemingly always around the football creating havoc.

There are two types of defensive players -- some who find the football, and others whom the football finds. In that regard, McCarthy is certainly of the former variety.

In three games filling in for Ruud, McCarthy has posted 32 tackles, including five for losses. He forced a fumble Nov. 20 against the Falcons. On Sunday against the Buccaneers, he not only recovered a fumble, but he also picked up his first career interception.

That pickoff of a Josh Freeman pass in the fourth quarter all but put the game into the win column for the Titans, who were nursing a 20-17 lead at the time with just under three minutes to play. He stepped in front of Kellen Winslow, and as he turned, the ball came right to him.

"It's a play we went through in practice," said McCarthy, who has proven to be a quick study in the meeting rooms and has played the past two weeks despite missing practice time with a sore knee. "Early in the game, they kind of did that 10 yards and just sat there, so it was just a matter of time before they did the shake and tried to hit us deep.

"Coach (Jerry) Gray had a great game plan. We went over it this week. When they throw it to you, you've just got to catch it."

It is also telling just what the Titans are doing in that they allow McCarthy to make the defensive calls and also now are keeping him and fellow rookie Akeem Ayers on the field in the nickel package, bringing veteran Will Witherspoon to the sideline in passing situations.

The Titans had hoped to use the 2011 draft to shore up their weak linebacking corps, and it appears that they have done so with the two rookies, both of whom are playing key roles.

Ayers was expected to contribute all along, but the Titans are no doubt pleased that McCarthy has arrived ahead of schedule.


(foxsportstennessee.com)

The fact that rookie middle linebacker Colin McCarthy missed practice on Thursday is a concern for the Titans, given that he may be making his second career start on Sunday.

But Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray said McCarthy’s ability to learn in the film room – even when he was out injured for three weeks – give the coaching staff more confidence in him than in most rookies.

“The thing about Colin is he pays a lot of attention,” Gray said. “He had been injured for a while and you wouldn’t think that he was paying attention. But all of sudden when you put him on the board and quiz him … he has answers. And to me, that is a guy that’s really astute to what’s going on.

“You don’t have to practice. Do we want him to practice? Of course we do. But if you’re injured and you’re paying attention to what you’re doing, now you become a better football player.

“As a rookie if you can do that, you can go a long way in this league. Because not a lot of rookies have that ability to not practice and watch what’s going on, and then … make plays.”

Click here to order Colin McCarthy’s proCane Rookie Card.


(tennessean.com)

ATLANTA -- The clock ticked, the game hung in the balance and two Titans rookies showed composure and talent when confronted by pressure.
Quarterback Jake Locker relieved Matt Hasselbeck (sprained elbow) and led the Titans’ offensive huddle, and middle linebacker Colin McCarthy relieved Barrett Ruud (groin) and did the talking in the defensive huddle.

The injuries Sunday in Atlanta forced Tennessee (5-5) to shift its short-term plans but showed potential for long-term goals. The rookies sparked their units, with Locker throwing a pair of touchdown passes to Nate Washington and McCarthy recording 10 tackles (according to press box statistics), three stops for a loss and forcing a fumble that the Titans recovered to keep their hopes alive.

“The Titans brought us here for a reason,” McCarthy said. “They drafted us to come in here, be productive and make plays.”

McCarthy made his first career start at Carolina a week earlier and led the Titans with 12 tackles but banged up his knee, causing him to miss practice time before Sunday’s game. Ruud started Sunday but left in the second quarter, and the Titans called on McCarthy to again make the team’s defensive calls.

McCarthy said he and Locker try to be confident in the game plan, so that teammates believe in them.

“We’ve got to be confident in ourselves, as far as getting everybody in the huddle,” McCarthy said. “They look to us for that. We’re in that position.”
Hasselbeck injured his arm when it was struck as he attempted to throw a deep pass to Damian Williams. He said he thought he was about to deliver a touchdown strike when Atlanta defensive end Ray Edwards struck his arm.

Hasselbeck said he expects to have some “pictures” taken of his arm today to learn more about the injury. He and other Titans offensive players said they were impressed but not surprised by Locker’s readiness.

“Jake came in and played great,” Hasselbeck said. “He made some plays and it was good to see the receivers do a nice job.”

After McCarthy forced the fumble by Michael Turner that Will Witherspoon recovered at the Tennessee 16-yard-line, Locker led the Titans on a 14-play, 84-yard drive. He converted third-and-10 with his legs on a scramble for 11 yards, converted fourth-and-17 with a 22-yard pass to Jared Cook, and delivered a strike on third-and-goal from 4 yards that only Washington could catch.

Click here to order Colin McCarthy’s proCane Rookie Card.


(titansonline.com)

ATLANTA One week after making a strong impression in his first start, Titans rookie middle linebacker Colin McCarthy posted quite a relief performance.

He entered the game against the Falcons in the second quarter following an injury to starter Barrett Ruud and piled up a game-high 10 tackles, including a game-high three for loss. He also forced a critical fumble, one the Titans turned into a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

McCarthy’s outing was more impressive given that he missed a lot of practice time last week with a sore knee.

“I don’t feel like I was doing anything out of the ordinary,” he said. “That’s what a middle linebacker is supposed to do. I was trying to get everybody lined up — making the calls and just being vocal. There were lots of opportunities for a middle linebacker and I tried to do that.”

The Titans have said they like the knowledge and poise that Ruud bring to the middle linebacker spot, but McCarthy may be pushing him for the starting spot.

“It’s not my decision,” McCarthy said. “When I’m given the opportunity, I’m going to make the most of it. We’re just pushing each other … I know he’s still dealing with some injuries, so the opportunities I get, I’ve got to take advantage of them. When all is said and done between me and Barrett, all we want to do is win games.”

Click here to order Colin McCarthy’s proCane Rookie Card.


(clarksvilleonline.com)

In his first opportunity to grab the NFL spotlight, Titans rookie linebacker Colin McCarthy made like an entertainer: He left fans asking for more.

Plenty of Titans fans are still buzzing about McCarthy’s performance against the Panthers last Sunday, when he notched a team-leading 12 tackles (including one for loss) and added a quarterback pressure for good measure.

If he did that well in his first start, the line of questioning goes, why not keep him in place this week when the Titans visit the Falcons?
Not so fast, says defensive coordinator Jerry Gray.

It may be true that starter Barrett Ruud has only once produced as many as 12 tackles in a game this season, and that Ruud, who has eight starts, has just one more tackle for loss than McCarthy.

But the Titans still believe that Ruud, a seventh-year pro who signed a one-year deal for $4 million, can make a broader and more consistent impact at this point.

“It’s Barrett’s job,” Gray said. “We brought him in here to lead us and he gives us great leadership. Barrett gives us a calmness that a lot of guys can’t give. When you saw him (play for) Tampa Bay, he did that, too.”

Which is not to say the Titans are discrediting what McCarthy did against the Panthers, especially considering he had been sidelined the previous three weeks with a bad hamstring.

Instead of letting the injury sidetrack him, McCarthy remained focused on what he would have to do when he returned.

“He stuck with it,” said Ruud, who missed the Carolina game with a groin strain. “He was in the meeting rooms and asking questions. So he was prepared to go.”

Predictably, there were some missteps for McCarthy, who might have been a bit too keyed up for his own good.

“Obviously early in the game I missed a few tackles,” the fourth-round pick from Miami said. “You never like to do that, especially early on.”
But it didn’t take long for McCarthy to do something positive.

On Carolina’s second series, he tackled running back DeAngelo Williams for a five-yard loss. On Carolina’s third series, McCarthy made tackles on second and third down, prompting a punt.

“That’s an offense that was putting up a lot of numbers and he didn’t seem like he was out of place, not shaken up by it,” Gray said. “I like that about a young guy. He has a swagger about him like, ‘Hey, when it’s my time, I’m going to go ahead and play.’ ”

McCarthy was clearly pumped about the pummeling the Titans delivered in a 30-3 win.

“He definitely has a lot of emotion,” linebacker Will Witherspoon said. “I think we all saw that. We laughed about it. We were kidding him, saying, ‘Man, if you keep kicking around like that, you’re going to pull a hamstring.’ But he was good out there.”

Maybe most impressive to McCarthy and his teammates was his mental performance.

The Titans did some different things against the Panthers — blitzing more often, for instance — but McCarthy wasn’t overwhelmed in his role as “defensive quarterback.”

“As far as getting everybody lined up, making the strength calls, pointing out any keys pre-snap and getting the calls across to get everyone set up that we can play … I thought I did a good job of that,” he said.

Said Ruud: “The biggest thing he did was call the defense.”

McCarthy sat out practice Thursday with soreness in his knee, but is expected to practice today.

He won’t be preparing for a start against the Falcons — the Titans have made that clear — but expect to see more of McCarthy in upcoming games. He earned the opportunities.

“He took advantage (of his chance) and that opened your eyes to what he can handle now,” Coach Mike Munchak said. “… He is still definitely going to be a huge part of our defense.”

Click here to order Colin McCarthy’s proCane Rookie Card.


(tennessean.com)

Middle linebacker Barrett Ruud, who missed the win over the Panthers because of a groin injury, was back on the practice field on Wednesday and said he thinks he should be able to play Sunday against the Falcons.

Ruud was very complimentary of what Colin McCarthy did in his place last week — coaches credited the rookie with a team-best 12 tackles — but was even more impressed with how he handled the defense.

“The biggest thing he did was call the defense,” Ruud said. “That’s the number one thing a (middle) linebacker does is get people lined up.It was a little different game because we were ahead and they really spread it out and threw it around a lot. He did a nice job of getting guys lined up and in position.”

His performance in that department was especially good for a rookie, according to Ruud.

“It’s one of those things where you have to prepare a little extra for and he’s done well with that, especially because he was out for a few weeks,” Ruud said. “He still stuck with it and was in the meeting rooms and asking questions. So he was prepared to go.”

Assuming Ruud is healthy, he’s likely to return to the starting lineup on Sunday. The fact that he formerly played for Tampa Bay – an NFC South rival of Atlanta – should be helpful this week.

“It’s kind of like old times,” Ruud said. “I’ve done it a lot. I played against them 12 times or something. … So I know them well. It’s always fun to go down to the Dome and play.”

Click here to order Colin McCarthy’s proCane Rookie Card.


(tennessean.com)

While MLB Colin McCarthy played solidly in relief of injured starter Barrett Ruud (groin) in Sunday’s win against the Panthers, coach Mike Munchak said Ruud will remain the starter once he returns. McCarthy could still see significant playing time. Ruud will be re-evaluated this week. “Colin was already working in to several different packages,” Munchak said.


Click here to order Colin McCarthy’s proCane Rookie Card.


(fantasysp.com)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. Even before he stepped on the field for his first NFL start, rookie linebacker Colin McCarthy had impressed his teammates. He did it with his words then with his play in a 30-3 win over the Panthers.

McCarthy started in place of injured middle linebacker Barrett Ruud, and finished with a team-leading eight tackles, including a five-yard stop for a loss.

“He did fantastic,” defensive coordinator Jerry Gray said. “If you are a (middle) linebacker you have to be all over the field. You can’t think of yourself as a rookie. He did a really solid job.”

McCarthy missed the last three games after suffering a hamstring injury on Oct. 9 against the Steelers. But when Ruud suffered a groin injury against the Bengals, the Titans quickly tried to get McCarthy up to speed.

Up until Sunday, McCarthy played primarily on special teams. Prior to kickoff, he gathered his defensive teammates and told them they could count on him. Turns out he was right.

“He was monstrous,” cornerback Cortland Finnegan said.

The fourth-round pick out of Miami made the defensive calls and stayed on the field most of the game.

“I just wanted to tell the guys that I had prepared, and they could count on me,” he said. “So they were confident in me, and we could then just go out there and play football. In the beginning I missed a tackle here and there. But once I started feeling comfortable, I was able to make plays. And as a defense everyone made plays.”

After the game, McCarthy was the last player to leave the locker room. He admitted he was sore.

“Barrett has been playing great. He is great to learn from, I think that is the biggest thing,” McCarthy said. “I’m just glad I was ready when my number was called.”

Click here to order Colin McCarthy’s proCane Rookie Card.


(tennessean.com)

Tennessee Titans LB Colin McCarthy (hamstring) could see extended time in Week 10 if LB Barrett Ruud (groin) misses the game.



Click here to order Colin McCarthy’s proCane Rookie Card.


(fantasysp.com)

Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Munchak said Monday, Oct. 31, that LB Colin McCarthy (hamstring) is expected back in Week 9.





(kffl.com)

Tennessee Titans LB Colin McCarthy's (hamstring) status for Week 7 is uncertain because of a hamstring injury.





(kffl.com)

Tennessee Titans LB Colin McCarthy (hamstring) suffered a hamstring injury in Week 5.





(kffl.com)

Fourth-round pick Colin McCarthy is expected to be the Titans' fifth linebacker in his rookie season.
He's behind MLB Barrett Ruud, WLB Will Witherspoon, SLB Akeem Ayers, and nickel 'backer Gerald McRath on the depth chart. McCarthy will be strictly a special teamer in 2011. Ruud is on a one-year deal, so McCarthy could enter the starting lineup at middle linebacker eventually. That's where he played in college.



(rotoworld.com)

Colin McCarthy, a Clearwater Central Catholic graduate, was among  65 former University of Miami players who allegedly received improper benefits from a booster, according to an investigation by Yahoo! Sports.

Mike Jalazo coached the Marauders when McCarthy was there and said Wednesday he would be surprised if the allegations were true.
"Colin just doesn't seem like the guy who would do that," said Jalazo, who is now the coach at Northeast. "He comes from a great family. He was never a big partier in high school, and he was one of the most responsible kids we had on that team."

McCarthy, a linebacker who was selected by the Titans in the fourth round round of this year's NFL draft, was alleged to have received multiple benefits from Miami booster Nevin Shapiro, including food, drinks and playing pool for cash at Shapiro's $6-million mansion, as well as VIP access and drinks at nightclubs that were provided by Shapiro.

"(McCarthy) was at my house maybe three or four times," Shapiro told Yahoo! Sports. "Maybe more than that. He went to the clubs with us one or two times, but he was involved in that pool tournament for cash at my house."
McCarthy did not respond to a Facebook message seeking comment. According to the Associated Press, McCarthy wore an orange Hurricanes' T-shirt when reporters talked to him after practice Tuesday night. He responded "no comment" to four questions.

McCarthy played for CCC from 2002-05. He was ranked by Rivals as the 24th best linebacker in the 2006 class.

Another CCC standout, A.J. Trump, was an offensive lineman for the Hurricanes from 2005-09. He was not one of the players mentioned who received extra benefits, though Shapiro does say in a audio outtake on yahoo.com that Trump was present at his mansion when Armwood grad and current Florida player Matt Patchan came on a recruiting visit.

"The linemen didn't get a lot of fanfare," said Trump, now an assistant coach at East Lake. "We were more country boys who did things on our own. So I didn't really see a lot of the stuff that supposedly went on."

Trump and McCarthy played three seasons together at CCC and three more at Miami.

"I've known Colin for a long time, but we kind of hung out with our group of friends once we got to Miami," Trump said. "It would come as a surprise to me if he did those things because he is a pretty good guy."



(tampabay.com)

Titans rookie linebacker Colin McCarthy, a fourth-round pick from Miami, is one of dozens of former Hurricanes named in the Yahoo! Sports report on booster Nevin Shapiro and impermissible benefits he said he gave to a number of UM players.

Shapiro alleges he provided extra benefits to McCarthy including food, drinks and entertainment at Shapiro’s mansion on multiple occasions, as well as VIP access and drinks at nightclubs on at least one occasion. Shapiro also alleged that McCarthy played in pool tournaments for cash at Shapiro’s home.

Here is what McCarthy — wearing a green University of Miami football shirt and putting his clothes in a UM backpack — had to say about the report after Titans practice Tuesday.

On his relationship with Nevin Shapiro. “I really don’t have any comment to make about it. I understand whatever’s out there, whatever, but really I’m just focusing on the season, focusing on practicing and understanding what I need to do and preparing for St. Louis. I’m focused on football. …”

On if the NCAA had contacted him. “I’ve really got nothing to say. No comment.”

On if he’s angry about the report. “Not really, it is what it is. But I’m here. I’m here to get better and to work. I’ve got a great opportunity here in Tennessee and that’s my focus.”



(tennessean.com)

Trying to live up to expectations is something Titans rookie linebacker Colin McCarthy has gotten used to.

During college, he was even given the number 44 to wear as a freshman because of how much he reminded the University of Miami coaching staff of former Pro Bowler Dan Morgan.

But now the fourth-round pick, overshadowed by the drafting of Akeem Ayers in the second round and the free-agent signing of Barrett Ruud, has the chance to surprise people — a chance he’ll gladly take.

“Everybody comes in here and makes friends. As linebackers we’re a pretty close group, but at the end of the day this is a competition,” McCarthy said. “You may be cheering each other on, but ultimately you’re fighting for a position.”

A three-year starter and two-time All-ACC linebacker at Miami, McCarthy is trying to emerge from a daunting shadow of former Hurricane greats having current NFL success. He considers fellow alumni Jon Beason and Jonathan Vilma to be personal mentors, easing his transition with their knowledge of the lifestyle and work ethic required to be successful in the NFL.

Ayers, the projected starting strongside linebacker, believes the pains of transition for himself and McCarthy have been more muted than most first-year pros. With a new coaching staff in place, the philosophies and terminologies of defensive coordinator Jerry Gray are new to everyone, not just the rookies.

“We’re all learning at the same time, learning the same things, and it would have been more difficult if coming in all these guys already knew it,” Ayers said. “They’d be moving at a totally different speed, but now everybody’s learning from scratch and we’re able to develop as a group.”

That group of three linebackers is still to be determined at this point, though the athleticism of Ayers on the outside and Ruud’s experience at middle would appear to make them frontrunners to start. That leaves Gerald McRath and Will Witherspoon vying for the starting weakside linebacker position.

As for McCarthy, he will likely make most of his impact on special teams this season, though his brief and ongoing tutelage under Ruud and linebackers coach Frank Bush are preparing him for his eventual opportunity with the defense.

“(McCarthy) has still got to improve in almost every area, but the kid is taking heed of what we’re saying and getting better every day,” Bush said. “He’s got a knack in pass coverage and is learning the run game as we go about it, so he’s moving along quite nicely.”

His measurables, while not significantly lacking in any area, will not and may never be the reason McCarthy finds success at the professional level.

But his willingness to learn the position at a higher level, even from the man currently ahead of him on the depth chart, may be more than enough.

“When you have guys like Barrett, who has been in the league for a while, he’s a great guy to learn from,” McCarthy said.



(tennessean.com)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) The Tennessee Titans have announced they have agreed to contract terms with four of their nine 2011 draft picks.

The team said Thursday night they are linebacker Colin McCarthy, a fourth-round pick; running back Jamie Harper, a fourth-round pick; tackle Byron Stingily, sixth round; and defensive tackle Zach Clayton, seventh round.

One youngster who may be immediately thrown into the fire is fourth-round pick Colin McCarthy, a candidate to start at middle linebacker if the Titans can't retain free agent Stephen Tulloch.


(kvos.com)

Tennessee Titans rookie LB Colin McCarthy mentioned on Twitter earlier today that he would answer a few questions if anyone had any for him.

McCarthy is another guy that I am really excited about from this draft. He is a big LB that, as he mentions in one of his answers, can play all three linebacker positions. Jerry Gray said he wanted versatility, and he got that in McCarthy.

What is your greatest strength as a LB?
my versatility. Being able to play all three LB positions and my passion for the game. Love to play and want to be great!

What do you think is one part of your game you will have to step up at the next level?
Footwork for sure. No false steps. Getting my pre-snap reads run pass and then read and react. Go when you know.! Get to the ball

Who was your favorite player when you were a kid?
Brian Dawkins with the Eagles


(musiccitymiracles.com)

Colin McCarthy is an intense, instinctive overachiever with a nose for the ball. He lacks great size, has very short arms and has had some injury problems but when he is on the field he is always full throttle.





(nationalfootballpost.com)

Chicago Tribune pro football reporter Dan Pompei evaluates eligible middle linebackers

5. Colin McCarthy, Miami, 6-1, 238. He's quick, fast and athletic but isn't as big as ideal. McCarthy also shows a feel for the game. He needs a little work on technique but has a good upside. McCarthy has played outside in the past but probably is suited best inside.

Click here to see the rest of the rankings.



(chicagotribune.com)

proCane Colin McCarthy joins the list of top Miami players headed to the NFL. McCarthy led the Canes in tackles in 2010 with 119 also winning the Plumer Award for leadership, motivation and spirit. Bringing the next generation of NFL stars to you today on the NFL Draft Bible Player Spotlight Show, hosted by Bo Marchionte.

University Miami inside linebacker Colin McCarthy works out for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers today.

He worked out for the Miami Dolphins on Friday along with other Hurricanes players.

McCarthy has previously worked out for the Atlanta Falcons,

McCarthy recorded 95 tackles as a junior and 105 tackles as a senior with nine tackles for losses. He finished his career with 308 tackles, 34 for losses and was twice named all-conference.

McCarthy is regarded as an old-school linebacker who plays with sound instincts, but is relatively undersized.

The 6-foot-1, 235-pounder is currently projected to go in the third to fourth round.

An NFL scouting director had solid praise for McCarthy.

"Yeah, he’s a tough kid," the executive told National Football Post. "He runs around. He’s active. He’s instinctive, always working to the football. Gives up a little in terms of size, he's not 250, 260 pounds, but he plays pretty solid for an undersized guy.

"Very competitive player, great intangibles, comes with high remarks from the staff at Miami. So, he’s definitely a quality player and a quality kid.”



(nationalfootballpost.com)

University Miami inside linebacker Colin McCarthy is set to work out for the Miami Dolphins on Friday along with other Hurricanes players.

McCarthy has previously worked out for the Atlanta Falcons,

McCarthy recorded 95 tackles as a junior and 105 tackles as a senior with nine tackles for losses. He finished his career with 308 tackles, 34 for losses and was twice named all-conference.

McCarthy is regarded as an old-school linebacker who plays with sound instincts, but is relatively undersized.

The 6-foot-1, 235-pounder is currently projected to go in the third to fourth round.

An NFL scouting director had solid praise for McCarthy.

"Yeah, he’s a tough kid," the executive told National Football Post. "He runs around. He’s active. He’s instinctive, always working to the football. Gives up a little in terms of size, he's not 250, 260 pounds, but he plays pretty solid for an undersized guy.

"Very competitive player, great intangibles, comes with high remarks from the staff at Miami. So, he’s definitely a quality player and a quality kid.”



(nationalfootballpost.com)

Todd McShay has the following proCanes going in the 2nd and 3rd Rounds of the upcoming NFL draft.

2nd Round:

50. San Diego
Allen Bailey DE Miami (FL)

57. Seattle
Orlando Franklin G Miami (FL)

3rd Round

70. Cleveland
Leonard Hankerson WR Miami (FL)

89. San Diego (from Seattle)
Colin McCarthy LB Miami (FL)



(espn.com)

Miami (Fla.) LB Colin McCarthy showed very well at his Pro Day, and in a class short on linebackers, could elevate as high as the second round.





(profootballweekly.com)

University Miami inside linebacker Colin McCarthy worked out for the Atlanta Falcons on Wednesday.

Ranked second at his position on the National Football Post draft board, McCarthy recorded 95 tackles as a junior and 105 tackles as a senior with nine tackles for losses. He finished his career with 308 tackles, 34 for losses and was twice named all-conference.

McCarthy is regarded as an old-school linebacker who plays with sound instincts, but is relatively undersized.

The 6-foot-1, 235-pounder is currently projected to go in the third to fourth round.

An NFL scouting director had solid praise for McCarthy.

"Yeah, he’s a tough kid," the executive told National Football Post. "He runs around. He’s active. He’s instinctive, always working to the football. Gives up a little in terms of size, he's not 250, 260 pounds, but he plays pretty solid for an undersized guy.

"Very competitive player, great intangibles, comes with high remarks from the staff at Miami. So, he’s definitely a quality player and a quality kid.”



(nationalfootballpost.com)

Linebacker is the position where the fire of so many great defenses burn. Mike Singletary in Chicago. Ray Lewis in Baltimore. Ray Nitschke in Green Bay. Colin McCarthy has a long way to go before he earns comparisons to any of those players, but he certainly has the DNA for the position.

The Miami linebacker was one of 15 players who worked out at the Hurricanes’ rescheduled pro day on Friday, putting his competitive nature on display for an audience heavy on NFL personnel.

The pro day was completed after rain and lightning halted the original date on March 10. There were 31 teams at Friday’s proceedings, including Pittsburgh Steelers director of football operations Kevin Colbert. The event was held outdoors on grass.

McCarthy (6-1 3/8, 237) had a very strong workout, showing quick feet and instincts in his positional drills. He was obviously engaged, jumping back to the line, looking to repeat drills, and generally showing a high level of intensity. Like many of his teammates, he stood on all of the results from his combine workout in Indianapolis.

McCarthy helped himself, and figures to go somewhere near the end of the second or top of the third round of the NFL Draft in April.

Another Hurricanes player who increased his standing was defensive back DeMarcus Van Dyke. He also kept his combine numbers, and gave a strong showing in positional workouts. Van Dyke’s combine 40 times of 4.25 and 4.28 proved he has the speed to transition to the next level, and his Miami workout provided a great stage for his quickness.

Size may be the defensive back’s biggest issue. Standing 6-0 3/4 and 176 pounds, Van Dyke has a thin build that could use some filling out.
Some other notable attendees in South Florida:

Allen Bailey, DL/DE – Bailey (6-3, 285) gave a strong positional workout and stood on his combine in every category but weight. The scale read 275 in Miami.

Damien Berry, RB – Berry (5-10 1/4, 207) posted 40 times of 4.63 and 4.64. He kept his combine numbers otherwise. He also had a positional workout.

Matt Bosher, PK – Bosher (6-1, 208) went through a positional workout and kept all his combine figures.

Craig Cooper, RB – Cooper (5-10 1/8, 196) ran a 4.75 in his first 40 run, then requested two more, posting back-to-back times of 4.66. He posted a 32 1/2 vertical and a 4.71 short shuttle during the abbreviated March 10 workout.

Orlando Franklin, OL – Franklin (6-5 1/2, 319) had a 30-inch vertical jump on March 10. On Friday, he posted a 8-9 broad jump, 8.37 three-cone drill, and went through a positional workout.

Leonard Hankerson, WR – Hankerson (6-2, 209) stood on all of his combine numbers, but performed well in positional workouts.

Brandon Harris, CB – Harris (5-9 1/2, 194) posted a 34 1/2 vertical and stood on his combine numbers otherwise. He was strong in positional workouts, and is in line to be drafted near the bottom of the first or top of the second round.



(nfl.com)

Miami linebacker Colin McCarthy helped his draft stock with a strong showing in the Senior Bowl, but one senior scout for an NFL club told the National Football Post concerns about previous shoulder injuries will prevent his team from considering him.

An honorable mention All-ACC selection this past season when he led the Hurricanes with 119 tackles, McCarthy projects as an inside linebacker and he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.59 seconds at the combine. He did well for himself in Indianapolis, but the most significant information teams gain there is medical reports.

The scout was quick to say just because McCarthy will not be on his team’s board doesn’t mean other teams will not consider him. McCarthy started the first four games of the season in 2008 before a shoulder injury forced him to miss the remainder of the year. He received a medical redshirt, and reports indicate he had as many as three shoulder surgeries while in college.

Still, McCarthy is considered a strong prospect and the NFP’s Wes Bunting has him No. 2 on the big board for inside linebackers behind LSU’s Kelvin Sheppard.



(nationalfootballpost.com)

Colin McCarthy is another in a long line of NFL prospects coming out of the U.  He played most of his career at Miami on the outside, but his skill set will translate better in the NFL on the inside.  I had the opportunity to watch him perform at the Sr. Bowl and he was surprisingly agile and quick making plays on the defensive side of the ball as well as special teams.  During the Sr. Bowl, Colin showed great instincts and an aggressive yet under control style of play.  He attacks the LOS and brings his hips well when making tackles.  He can improve on his backpedal and man technique in pass coverage, but he looks extremely comfortable in zone coverage and always has his head on a swivel.  Going into the combine, it was important for McCarthy to run a good 40-yard dash time and show explosion in the vertical jump.  He didn’t disappoint with a 4.65 dash and a 36.5″ vertical leap.  I believe Colin McCarthy can be an excellent special teams contributor from day one, and he will provide solid depth at the linebacker position.  He will challenge Quan Sturdivant (UNC) to be the 2nd middle backer to be selected in the draft - late 2nd round to 3rd round prospect.



(wnst.net)

Twan Ruseell, Gaby Sanchez and future proCanes Colin McCarthy, Damien Berry, Demarcus Van Dyke and Graig Cooper were guests on WQAM this past week. Click here to listen to the interviews.




(wqam.com)

INDIANAPOLIS -- University Miami inside linebacker Colin McCarthy draws high marks from the NFL for his toughness and productivity.

Ranked second at his position on the National Football Post draft board, McCarthy recorded 95 tackles as a junior and 105 tackles as a senior with nine tackles for losses. He finished his career with 308 tackles, 34 for losses and was twice named all-conference.

McCarthy is regarded as an old-school linebacker who plays with sound instincts, but is relatively undersized.

The 6-foot-1, 235-pounder is currently projected to go in the third to fourth round.

An NFL scouting director had solid praise for McCarthy.

"Yeah, he’s a tough kid," the executive told National Football Post. "He runs around. He’s active. He’s instinctive, always working to the football. Gives up a little in terms of size, he's not 250, 260 pounds, but he plays pretty solid for an undersized guy.

"Very competitive player, great intangibles, comes with high remarks from the staff at Miami. So, he’s definitely a quality player and a quality kid.”

McCarthy finished a huge day ranked in the top 10 of every category.

His best mark is at vertical, where he is tied for 4th best mark with 36.5 inches (pictured above).  Here are his official results and standings among the linebacker group:

40-Yard Dash: 4.65 Seconds / 6th Best
Bench Press: 23 reps at 225 lbs. / 9th Best
Vertical: 36.5 inches / 4th Best
Broad Jump: 9 feet, 11 inches / 9th Best
3-Cone Drill: 6.93 seconds / 5th Best
20-Yard Shuttle: 4.2 seconds / 5th Best
60-Yard Shuttle: 11.38 seconds / 5th Best

McCarthy said he has talked to teams about playing outside linebacker as well as inside linebacker and is open to play either position. McCarthy played inside linebacker this season but worked at outside linebacker at the Senior Bowl.

You can all but guarantee that McCarthy will be among the fastest rising prospects leaving Ford Field and Indianapolis after the Combine.



(ufootball.tumblr.com)