McGinnis keyed up to play

New Orleans (La.) Warren Easton 2015 outside linebacker Arthur McGinnis was sidelined for the 2012 season, but he quickly caught the attention of college coaches in the spring and summer.

He was named one of the top underclassmen at the Houston RCS in March, and posted a SPARQ rating of 92.04 at the Nike Combine in the Woodlands, Texas. He followed up the effort with a strong showing at the Rivals250 Underclassmen Challenge in July and also had solid camp performances at LSU, Mississippi State, Texas A&M, Louisiana Tech, Oklahoma State, and Alabama.

The 6-foot-1, 215-pound linebacker picked up his first offer from Texas A&M in the spring, and has since added scholarships from UCLA and Mississippi State.

Are there any early favorites for the standout linebacker?

"Right now I'm still researching the colleges and trying to learn what I like and what things I don't like," McGinnis said. "Right now everyone is equal. When I find a favorite you'll be sure to know."

Two schools who have offered are currently in line to receive unofficial visits from McGinnis this fall. One has already been planned with details still being ironed out on the other.

"I plan on visiting Texas A&M again for the Alabama game, and I'm planning on visiting UCLA," McGinnis said.

In addition to his offers he has also received significant interest from the likes of LSU, Florida, USC, and Alabama.

"I'm hearing from a lot of schools," McGinnis said. "Because of the lack of film I didn't get the offer and they told me that was the only reason why, so after the first three games they're going to look over the film and based on the film they're going to offer me."

College coaches are ready to see what McGinnis can do when he puts on the pads, and he cannot wait to show off his aggressive style of play from his outside linebacker position.

"It's a really amazing experience," McGinnis said. "Not getting to play last year really hurt me. I was really torn up about it, but coming out this year and making such an impact I did going into the season makes it really exciting. I'm just anxious. I'm so ready."

McGinnis and the Warren Easton Eagles kickoff the season Friday, September 6, at 7 p.m. against St. Amant.