McBride Walks on as Missouri Western Linebacker

Colby McBride is a young man you want on your team – any team – football or business. He’s the kind of kid you discover in a job interview where it takes only a moment to recognize he’s your guy. If you’re Head Football Coach Matt Williamson at Missouri Western State University, you offer him a walk-on position at linebacker before someone else snags him. 

In the Covid-delayed Kearney High School graduation of 2019, Colby finished with a 3.77 grade point average. As a Kearney Bulldog senior linebacker, he was named to the Missouri 2019 All-State Academic team.

Colby McBride - Linebacker, Missouri Western

He was in the gifted program in elementary school and it didn’t take long for Colby to recognize he had academic talent. Surprisingly, sitting in a classroom isn’t exactly Colby’s thing. “I never enjoyed school. People have that misconception that I should enjoy school. It’s just something that comes naturally for me.”

Indeed, college football recruiters have a high regard for instinctive, athletic players who are also good in the classroom. “That was one thing coaches mentioned – my academics,” said Colby. “They like having guys who are smart. It helps bring the entire team GPA up and they don’t have to constantly be chasing down players about going to class.”

The oldest of three wildly athletic brothers in the McBride family, Colby began playing flag football in elementary school and started Pop Warner football in the seventh grade. “I’ve been playing football forever. Pop Warner taught us proper technique and prepared us for how the high school wants you to play the game as a whole,” says Colby.

He played baseball and threw the javelin for the Bulldog track team, but Colby says football remains his favorite sport. “Even if I had a chance to play the other two sports in college, I don't know that I would have taken it. Football is my sport.”

A 2019 All-Conference, honorable mention linebacker his senior year at Kearney, Colby’s Head Football Coach, Josh Gray, speaks enthusiastically about the MWSU freshman linebacker’s work ethic: “Colby has a great determination in accomplishing what he puts his mind to. He’s a high-character individual and a great example that if you work hard and do the right things, great things will happen.”

The increased practice tempo at the collegiate level is noticeable. Colby observes, “Practices move faster. In high school, everybody took a 5-minute water break as a team. Now, it’s up to you to get water whenever you need it. Practice moves fast and they keep rolling. In college, we get a lot more done in practice and get it over with quicker than we did in high school.”

Getting on the playing field as a MWSU freshman will have to wait. Colby doesn’t expect a realistic opportunity for game reps as a freshman linebacker. “There are four freshmen and six upperclassmen linebackers, and the six older guys are pretty good.”

The MIAA cancelled the season due to Covid restrictions. However, there is a chance unofficial games could still be played. The Griffons find out September 17 if they’ll be allowed to play two or three games against other schools who want to play.

Regardless of how the MWSU game schedule turns out this year, all players will get an extra year of eligibility as a result of Covid restrictions. In the meantime, Colby McBride will stay focused on his training. “Sometimes I feel like I have to work a little bit harder than everybody else. I know I can always do better and I try to be the best I can,” says Colby. “Just keep pushing.”

Colby didn’t hesitate to answer when asked about his role models. “Definitely both of my parents,” he responded. “And I’ve had some good coaches over the years who have definitely been role models.”

Head Coach Matt Williamson and the Missouri Western Griffons recruited a winner in Colby McBride. But his former coaches - and his parents - already knew that. Just keep pushing, Colby. Just Keep pushing.

KPGZ Sports – Mike Davis Contributed to this Story