Most times when a young boy goes out for a football team, he wants to play quarterback, running back or wide receiver, or at least play defense where he can tackle someone.

Not many want to become an offensive lineman.When he was five years old, Brendan McGowan wanted to carry the ball too. But he was told that he was too big and a bit too slow. So onto the offensive line he went and as they say the rest is history.McGowan has played the line from knee-hi football, through his years as a Marian Colt, until now as a starting guard for the Temple University Owls."I love playing in the trenches," said McGowan. "I especially love the physicality that is required to play the position well.""When he was only five years old, I thought Brendan could be a really good player," said his father, Tim. "Even then, he worked harder and played tougher than most of the other kids."Marian coach Stan Dakosty recalled McGowan's days playing high school ball."I could tell when Brendan was a sophomore that he could be something special," said Dakosty. "His work ethic and athletic ability were both outstanding and you don't see that much anymore. We could trust his blocking so much that if we needed a yard for a first down or a goal line push, he was the guy we were going to run behind."He's a great kid and he hasn't forgotten where he came from. He comes back to work out at Marian and to be an example for our players."The McGowan family returned the compliment to Dakosty and Marian High School."I had a great experience at Marian," said McGowan. "Coach Dakosty and my line coach, Charlie Connelly, taught me a lot. My favorite memory was when we beat Shenandoah in my sophomore year in my first career start.""We are very grateful for all that Coach Dakosty and principal Sister Bernard did for Brendan while he was at Marian," said Tim McGowan.McGowan was first placed at the center of the Colt line, but he was soon moved to play guard and tackle."I was better suited there because I wanted to get off my feet and just blast somebody," said McGowan.McGowan earned Pennsylvania Football News Class A first team All-State honors and was also a first team Eastern Conference Small School selection as a senior. While in high school, McGowan attended a Temple Football Camp that led to his signing to play for the Owls.The college game has obviously placed more demands upon McGowan's commitment to the game of football."I have to admit that in high school I wasn't much into watching film because I figured I could just knock people over, but now I study film intensely to learn how I have to utilize by body to block the opponents' defensive tackles and linebackers," explained McGowan.Owls' offensive line coach, Chris Wiesehan, loves McGowan's attributes and skills."Brendan is mentally tough and deeply committed to improving," said Wiesehan. "We first saw his physical play in spring ball, but I think he took a major step forward last summer. He improved his body composition and his footwork. His technique focuses on balance and lower body control,"To play guard at the D1 level, Wiesehan demands that his players are nimble and can think on their feet as well as be tough, relentless, and most importantly, they need to finish their blocks.Despite a very young line, Temple (5-4) has experienced some big moments of success this season, one coming a few weeks ago with an upset over East Carolina, ranked 23rd in the country.McGowan, who grew up in Barnesville and now stands at 6-4 and weighs 300 pounds, hopes to experience more of these moments as a red -shirted sophomore who has two more years of eligibility remaining in the Temple program. He now understands what it takes to succeed at a high level of competition and looks to improve each time he laces up his cleats."Football requires a lot of preparation," he said. "When I watch film, I study the opponent to determine what footwork and technique to use. With pass blocking, for example, if I get bull rushed I have to sit down, which means keep my balance and strength below my hips. If the opponent tries to finesse past me, I straighten my back, focus on his inside numbers and keep my feet moving."This week, the Owls visit Happy Valley to take on Penn State. Head coach, Matt Rhule, a former assistant line coach for the New York Giants, warns his team that they have to prepare to play another football game and not to get caught up in the "wow" of playing the Nittany Lions."We have to focus on technique. They have great blitz packages so our O-line will have to recognize their schemes and react accordingly," said Rhule."It doesn't matter who we play, "said Wiesehan. "Brendan will be ready to go. He's got great passion for the game and he is becoming a vocal leader for us too."Wiesehan then added with a tone of admiration in his voice. "He's a coal region kid. He exemplifies toughness and does not back down against adversity. It's genetic. It's in his fiber."As McGowan continues his studies in finance for a potential career after Temple, he dreams of getting drafted into the NFL. He's an ardent Giants' fan whose favorite player is former all-pro guard, Chris Snee, who, by the way, played under Rhule in 2012."Sure it's a dream to play pro football," said McGowan. "I will do whatever it takes to attract interest, but right now my focus is to get a great education and to help Temple win games.""I am as proud of my son as a father can possibly be," said Tim McGowan, who along with his wife Donna plan to see every game that Temple plays until Brendan graduates.Donna said that her stepson learned a most important belief to live by at an early age."When you start something, you finish it," she said.Whether it is finishing a block on the gridiron or completing his academic studies with high achievement, Brendan McGowan continues to climb steps onto the next level. He is proving that when it comes to education, to competition and to adversity, he straightens his back like a lineman and will do whatever it takes to come out a winner.