It was only a few years ago that T.Y. McGill was the big man on campus at N.C. State.
A star on the Wolfpack's football team, it wasn't uncommon for him to host incoming recruits on their official visits.
One of those players he hosted happened to be Justin Jones, who the Chargers selected out of N.C. State in the third round of this year's draft.
Now they are reunited on the Bolts.
"It's crazy, (but) great," McGill said. "Seeing a guy that you've seen come up in this league, and watching him come up and playing football, (to) now be in this league together on the same team, it's a blessing."
The Chargers claimed McGill off waivers from the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, adding even more depth to a stacked defensive line. In fact, he called it a dream come true.
After all, who wouldn't want to line up between Pro Bowlers Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram.
"As an interior D tackle, that's what you want," he said. "You've got two dogs coming out at the edge to make that quarterback step up. I just want to get here and contribute. Just show this ball club I can do it."
So what exactly is it he can "do," and what should fans expect to see out of him between the white lines?
"Effort, hard work and motor," he declared. "I've got a motor that I don't let stop. That's just me. That's how I go about my life…(I) absolutely (pride myself) on being a pass rusher. I can play the run too, but when it's time to go get the quarterback, I'm going to get him."
McGill has proven that when given the chance over his first three seasons.
The 25-year-old spent his first two seasons in Indianapolis, totaling 17 tackles, 5.0 sacks, one forced fumble and one safety in 25 games. He spent a portion of last season in Cleveland, appearing in three games.
Meanwhile, General Manager Tom Telesco agrees with McGill on what he brings to the table, citing his effort as a reason the team targeted him on waivers.
"We wanted to get some depth there with T.Y. (and he's) very quick and explosive," Telesco said. "(A) high motor defensive tackle, and he can help us right now in the interior. Not sure right now when, (but) we'll get him up to speed and kind of go from there."
While it can be a whirlwind to join a new team on such short notice, McGill isn't concerned one bit about getting up to speed.
As he sees it, it's unacceptable to make any excuse. It's simply part of his profession.
"It's my job," he said matter-of-factly. "I do what I do. Today, I'm getting my body right and I'm about to go upstairs and get in the playbook."
Presenting your 2018 Los Angeles Chargers.
3 QB Geno Smith
4 K Michael Badgley
5 P Donnie Jones
6 K Nick Rose
11 WR Geremy Davis
12 WR Travis Benjamin
13 WR Keenan Allen
16 WR Tyrell Williams
17 QB Philip Rivers
20 CB Desmond King
23 S Rayshawn Jenkins
26 CB Casey Hayward Jr.
28 RB Melvin Gordon III
29 CB Jeff Richards
30 RB Austin Ekeler
31 S Adrian Phillips
32 WR Justin Jackson
33 S Derwin James
34 FB Derek Watt
36 CB Brandon Facyson
37 S Jahleel Addae
38 RB Detrez Newsome
42 LB Uchenna Nwosu
43 CB Michael Davis
47 LS Mike Windt
48 LB Nick Dzubnar
50 LB Hayes Pullard
51 OLB Kyle Emanuel
53 C Mike Pouncey
54 DE Melvin Ingram III
Los Angeles Chargers practice at Orange Coast College on Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018 in Costa Mesa, CA.
61 C/G Scott Quessenberry
64 C/G Cole Toner
66 G Dan Feeney
Los Angeles Chargers at San Francisco 49rs on Thursday, August 30, 2018 in Santa Clara, CA. Final score: LAC 23 vs SF 21 . (Chargers/Mike Nowak)
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69 T Sam Tevi
71 NT Damion Square
75 G Michael Schofield III
76 T Russell Okung
77 G Forrest Lamp
80 TE Sean Culkin
81 WR Mike Williams
84 WR Dylan Cantrell
85 TE Antonio Gates
86 TE Hunter Henry
88 TE Virgil Green
90 DE Anthony Lanier
91 DL Justin Jones
92 NT Brandon Mebane
93 DE Darius Philon
95 DT T.Y. McGill
98 DE Isaac Rochell
