Furman University

Furman:  Veteran performer who looms as a big key to Furman’s defensive success, particularly in the early going...role will be defined in the preseason but appears destined to start at strong side linebacker...intelligent player and strong competitor.  2010 — Played in all 11 games...totaled 21 tackles, including one for-loss...racked up a season high seven stops in the season opener versus Colgate (45-15 win) and against Howard (56-14 win).  2009 — Registered action in all 11 games and earned starts at rover in the last two games against Georgia Southern (30-22 win) and Wofford (58-21 win)...tallied eight tackles and a tackle for-loss versus Georgia Southern his first career start...came back with a seven-tackle performance that included a forced fumble and an 18-yard interception return against Wofford.  2008 — Member of scout team...awarded redshirt and extra year of eligibility.

High School:  2008 graduate of Lake Brantley (6A) High School...football coach was George Clayton...played free safety and wide receiver...also served as a punt and kickoff return specialist...career statistics include 240 tackles, 14 interceptions, five forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, 39 receptions for 620 yards and six touchdowns, and 700 yards in returns...named Orlando Sentinel 2007 Seminole County Defensive Player-of-the-Year and Central Florida All-Star after totaling 80 tackles on 9-2 squad that made its third consecutive state playoff appearance...also had 34 catches for 470 yards and four touchdowns in 2007...registered 92 tackles and six interceptions in 2006, helping Lake Brantley to 13-2 campaign and state runner-up finish...had 12 tackles, and interception, and 73 yards in returns in 2006 state title game loss to Miami-Northwest.....earned basketball team MVP and fourth-team all-state honors as a junior after helping his squad to 24-5 record.

Personal:  Full name is Mitchell Patrick McGrath...son of Tim McGrath and Marlene Jochum...born May 26, 1989, in Euclid, Ohio...has a brother, Connor...father played basketball at Cleveland State...accounting major.