There are many avenues you can take in pointing to what an intriguing story Mike McGlynn is in the first week of Pitt's fall camp. McGlynn is the lone starter remaining from Pitt's 2004 Fiesta Bowl team, and has started 31 games in a row and has appeared in all 35 games of his career. He is also coming off off-season shoulder surgery, and continues to rehab that shoulder in preparation so that he can add to his streak of consecutive starts. McGlynn has also been mentioned as being moved to center for his senior year. All these positives should not overlook the most important thing he bring for the 2007 season, and that is his leadership. Whatever position he plays on the line, and whenever he comes back at full strength from his shoulder injury, Mike McGlynn is a leader on this team.
"I don't want to be a rah-rah guy, but I want to be that guy that leads by example," McGlynn said. "I think that's the best way to lead, and not doing anything that would hurt the character of this team. Just getting out and doing your job every play. That's the best way these young guys can learn from me."

McGlynn has been the most experienced lineman for a few years now. In 2005, Dave Wannstedt's first year, McGlynn was already being counted on as one of the more experienced linemen, helping break in new starters such as C.J. Davis and Joe Villani. In 2006, after John Simonitis was lost for the season, McGlynn helped tutor right guard Joe Thomas, a true freshman, who started the final seven games. He also mentored Jeff Otah, who came to campus on the first day of fall camp a year ago. Prior to that, Otah played only one year of high school football, and two in a junior college. While he has a great chance to mentor the 2007 group of lineman, being a mentor and a leader along the line is not something new for him.

"Mike has some natural leadership qualities that we're counting on this season," offensive line coach Paul Dunn said. "Leadership in my mind comes from experience, and he's the most experienced of anyone we have."

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