| Junior linebacker Mike McLaughlin grew up 30 minutes from the Boston College campus, so the decision to go to BC was an easy one. He was drawn to the strong academic record as well as the opportunity to play football in the ACC. He took time to talk with theACC.com about his decision to go to BC and what expects in the upcoming game.
What is something that most people don't know about you?
I'm a good surfer.
Why did you start playing football?
I started when I was eight or nine years old. My dad (Mike McLaughlin) and uncle (Joe McLaughlin) both played professionally, so they got me started pretty early. I played Pop Warner and loved it.
My dad played professionally with the Boston Breakers in the USFL for five years. My uncle played with the Green Bay Packers for one year and the New York Giants for five years.
Did you play any other sports in high school?
I played basketball. I knew when I started playing football, I just had a love and a passion for it. I knew that football was my sport.
 Why did you choose Boston College?
I'm a local guy, I only live 30 minutes away. The first year I played was BC's first year in the ACC. It is a great school academically. It doesn't get any better than having the combination of this kind of football and the academics.
What is your favorite part of game day in Chestnut Hill?
The "Super Fans" section in the corner of the end zone. When the captains come out, I try to go over there and get those guys going. I love seeing all of our fans there. They do a great job.
What do you do when you're away from football?
I'm usually in the football office doing something. I try to do as much as I can to prepare. I like to relax, watch TV, hang out with my buddies. Nothing crazy.
What is the most memorable moment of your football career?
This past Saturday night, clinching the Atlantic Division. We weren't really predicted to be the top of the ACC. The last three games were like a playoff situation, do or die. We beat Florida State and Wake Forest then came home and beat Maryland. That has to be the best.
Who has been the most inspirational person in your life?
My dad. As I was growing up, I used to see how hard he worked. He owns his own company and he'd be gone at 5:30 in the morning and I wouldn't see him until 6:00 or 7:00 at night. He's been doing it for so long. He is a really motivated guy. He helps keep me focused. He has a strong work ethic and has excelled in life and I want to do the same thing.
What is the best advice Coach Jagodzinski has given you?
I like the way he has preached about championships. I've never had a coach do that before. Every time we see him, every time we have a team meeting, he encourages us to strive to play for a championship.
How does it feel to be going back to the championship game?
It feels great. We want to win it. We got here last year and came up a little short. Everyone has been saying win this week. Win, get a ring, and bring it back to Boston.
What have you learned from playing Virginia Tech three previous times in the past two seasons?
I have a lot of respect for their coaching staff and all their players. The more you see them, the more nervous you get. This is the fourth time playing them in the past year-and-a-half. I think this is a great opportunity for two great teams in the ACC. We are starting to make it a rivalry.
What are your thoughts on the championship game experience?
It is a special thing. Anytime you are in this position in December, to play for a championship, there aren't too many teams in the country that can say that. It makes all the hard work you put in worth it. All of our people get to go through it. This is the second time we've been in it, and hopefully we can go down and win it this year.
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Darren Evans might be a redshirt freshman, but he is playing like a fifth-year senior. The Indianapolis, Ind. native rushed for 253 yards against Maryland, the top mark in the conference this season. He took a few minutes to talk with theACC.com about that game and how he has accepted the role on the team.
What is something that most people don't know about you?
I have a two-year-old son (James).
What made you start playing football?
My dad asked if I wanted to play. He played growing up and he thought I would want to.
Did you play any other sports in high school?
I played basketball until I got to high school. When I got to high school, I decided to turn all of my attention to football.
Why did you choose Virginia Tech?
They like to run the ball. It was really the only big school that offered me (a scholarship) that had a run-based offense. A lot of the schools that looked at me had the spread offense. I was looking for an offense that was more Pro-Style.
What do you do when you're away from football?
I hang out with my son and my family. I play X-Box a lot.
What is your most memorable moment of your athletic career?
In high school we won the state title three times in a row. I was starting each time. And then there was the Maryland game. It was special because it was on TV and so many people could see it.
How exciting was the Maryland game for you? Did you realize you had rushed for 253 yards?
No, I didn't even realize after the game I had run for that many. It was very exciting because the family I have that didn't come down could see me. All my friends that normally play on Saturday got to see it (on Thursday night). My phone was blowing up after the game. And my son was there, which was very special.
Who has been the most inspirational person throughout your life?
My grandfather. He passed away my junior year of high school. I named my son after him. He always told me to work hard at everything I do, and that is what I have been living by.
What is the best advice Coach Beamer has given you?
Be a football player. Be rough and tough and go hard every play, every game. That is what he preaches to everybody.
What have your teammates said about the championship game? Have they given you any advice on how to prepare?
Over the weekend we rested up. We usually watch film on Monday morning, but we had the morning off so we could get more rest. It is special for the seniors. Even Coach Beamer said it was special, because it's not every year you get to repeat for one or even go to one.
 What is your favorite part of game day in Blacksburg?
When we get off the bus and walk down to the locker room. Everybody is cheering and the band is playing. It really gets you ready for the game. When we pull up, all of the fans are running towards where we walk. It really gets you hyped. You can see the fans are behind you and they are just as pumped as you are.
What allowed you to step up as a freshman and lead the team in rushing?
You just have to do it. I can't think about being young or not having experience. I've been playing this game my whole life. That is experience, just at a different level. You have to swallow the nervousness and let loose and let your ability take you the rest of the way.
What did you take from the Boston College game earlier this year?
They have one of the best defenses I've ever played against. They have some of the best linebackers I've ever played against. They have a good coaching staff leading them. They are confident. For us to beat them, we have got to practice hard and then go out and execute. We know we are going to get their best shot. We know they don't want to lose to us, and we don't want to lose to them. It is going to be a tough game. We just have to suck it up and go out there and do the right things.
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