Story by Bob Davidson
Byron McNair's career as a college quarterback is in its infant stages.
So much to learn, from the nuances of Kansas Wesleyan's offense to building chemistry with wide receivers and the offensive line to being the on-the-field leader of a team with high expectations.
The process includes considerable trial and error, learning what and when to do something and when not to do it. One early lesson was particularly painful.
"(Taking) the hits for sure," said McNair, who made his first start last Saturday in the Coyotes' Kansas Conference game against Avila in Kansas City. "I realized that I'm dealing with guys that are grown men."When we played McPherson I took a lot of hits. I'm a tough person, I stayed in (the pocket) and delivered the ball and took the hit. But after the game that adrenaline wore off and I definitely felt it."
McNair has been a quick study just one year removed from leading the Pattonville (Missouri) High School offense. He played well in the second half of KWU's 14-10 victory over McPherson, guiding the Coyotes to the game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Last week against Avila he was 11 of 18 passing for 141 yards, one touchdown and one interception in a 34-16 victory.McNair said he was ready when his name was called against McPherson.
"My preparation started way before I got here so I knew what I was coming into," he said. "I have a good family and good people behind me pushing me to make sure whenever your name is called, you're ready. There was no nervousness, I was ready to go."
His opportunity came after performing well in practice.
"I just give all the glory to God," he said. "I stayed humble and every day I came to work. Just being consistent, never get a big head or taking any days off. I gained the respect from the defensive guys and older guys in practice every day. They were like 'this kid's got something; we may need him to come help us out.' "
His progress has impressed KWU offensive coordinator James Bauer.
"From the time he came on his recruiting visit and when he got here for camp he's stood out and we knew he was going to be special at some point," Bauer said. "You'd love not to start a freshman but he's the kind of kid that doesn't play like one. He demands respect, he commands the huddle and he brings an energy that we needed. We needed a spark; he's provided that spark and shown a lot of maturity beyond his age."
McNair played two years at De Smet Jesuit High School in St. Louis before transferring to Pattonville before his junior year. Both programs provided experience that was beneficial when he arrived on campus.
"Coming here it was literally like the same thing I ran a high school so all the plays I'm used to, all the RPO (run, pass option) type of things," he said.
His high school experiences also taught him that a short memory is imperative - quickly move on from every mistake.
"You can't be out there in one world and your team's in another world," McNair said. "We all have to be on the same page. I know they forgot about that last play so I can't be the outlier thinking about the last play and messing us up."
Football was just part of the reason McNair chose to attend Wesleyan.
"They didn't just talk football with me. They talked about me after college and said they were going to be on top of me academic-wise," said McNair, who currently has a 4.0 grade average. "That's a big thing in my family, not just being a good football player but being a good human in general. They always say it's more than just football. (KWU) showed love and that they cared about developing me as a man rather than just a football player."
Like most freshmen McNair has found college life to be different but has made the adjustments.
"Having to just stay focused and not fall into the distractions or anything like that," he said. "Not having mom or brothers to go to ask for help. Picking my big boy pants up and taking it one step at a time."
McNair has two favorite NFL quarterbacks - Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles and former New England great Tom Brady.
"Those really are the two I focus on more because of the mental part of the game," he said. "Tom Brady was in the league for such a long time and his attitude is such a great thing. I look at those guys as people too. I don't want to learn just football; I want to learn about becoming a better person."
While pleased with his and the offense's progress McNair says there's work to be done.
The Coyotes play Saint Mary on Homecoming and Family Weekend at 5 p.m. Saturday at JRI Stadium and the Graves Family Sports Complex.
"Everything is coming together but that's not the end of it," he said. "We have goals that we're trying to meet and we're not there yet. So, every week the focus level is 10 times higher, everybody is bonding more and we're trying to all get on the same page. Get to where nobody can stop us but us."