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Sports

Q&A: Gophers Tight End Collin McGarry

Stillwater Patch chats with Collin McGarry about this season's University of Minnesota football team and his place within it.

Stillwater Area High School graduate Collin McGarry enters his final season on the University of Minnesota football team on a high note after a junior campaign that was hampered by injury.

McGarry, who graduated from SAHS in 2007, has twice earned Big Ten Conference All-Academic Team recognition and played in 16 games total during his sophomore and junior seasons.

In 2011, McGarry, a tight end who was recruited by then-head coach Glen Mason and played under then-head coach Tim Brewster looks to wrap up his collegiate days under new head coach Jerry Kill.

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He took a few minutes to chat with Patch after a recent Gophers practice.

Stillwater Patch: How is practice going so far?

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Collin McGarry: It's going very well. It's a learning process, mistakes are being made, and we just have to correct them. I think overall we are doing pretty well.

Stillwater Patch: Where do you see yourself fitting in on this year's team?

McGarry: Right now, hopefully I'm fighting for that No. 1 spot at tight end and get a lot of playing time there, whether it is at No. 1 or No. 2. I'll be happy to just be out there playing and helping the team.

Stillwater Patch: Your thoughts on new coach Jerry Kill?

McGarry: I like the energy he brings. It's a definite change and a step in the right direction. 

Stillwater Patch: What have you noticed as the differences between the high school and the college game?

McGarry: (chuckles) There's plenty of differences for sure. The main difference is the speed of the game. It's just that much faster.

Stillwater Patch: What are your hopes for the season—personally and team-wise?

McGarry: As far as the team goes, I want us to have the best season possible—win a ton of games, win them all. Individually, I want to do whatever it takes to help the team accomplish that.

Stillwater Patch: What does it mean for you to play for your hometown team?

McGarry: It's definitely been a dream come true. After growing up watching these guys play every Saturday and wanting to play here, I've cherished every day of being a part of this team.

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