McQueary trades in blue and white for silver and black, signs deal with Raiders

Things have a way of working out for Mike McQueary.

And Mike said he has no qualms about not going to Notre Dame, the school that recruited him, but had no scholarship offer. That scholarship was reserved for Berwick-superstar, Powlus.

"Penn State worked out very well for me," McQueary said. "If I had to do it all again, I'd do it the same way."

For McQueary, Penn State was a comfort zone. Familiarity with the area helped ease the transition from a State College Little Lion to a Penn State Nittany Lion.

After years of watching and learning behind Kerry Collins and Wally Richardson, Joe Paterno finally gave his fifth-year quarterback the nod.

"I thought he should have been given a shot earlier on," said his father, John McQueary. "but, that's a dad talking."

Mike, however, said he learned a lot from Collins and Richardson -- two current NFL quarterbacks.

"I wasn't up there real high." Mike said. "I thought I might go in the sixth or seventh round, but that's the way the draft goes. I have this opportunity with Oakland, and things look better and better every day."

Mike, who has been getting snaps as the third string quarterback for the Raiders, said he thinks he will have a good opportunity to make the Oakland's squad. While he is trying out for the team, he said he hopes to learn as much as he can about how to become a better player.

With Jeff George standing under center, though, it will be difficult for Mike to do anything but wear a ball cap and signal the plays from the sideline if he makes the club.

The one year deal, Mike's father said, is a good way for his son to get his foot in the door.

"You gotta make it first," John said. "I am just glad that he has the chance."

With the help of Penn State's NCAA compliance office, the younger McQueary chose Brett Senior, a tax attorney from the Philadelphia area and a 1972 graduate of State College Area High School, to represent him.

"He's a good guy," Mike said. "The best thing is he has really looked out for me. He has really guided me through the business. As for now, it is kind of up to me."

Mike was advised by a three-member committee of Penn State professors under the direction of John Bove, Penn State's NCAA Compliance Coordinator.

The committee investigates prospective agents to make sure the athlete's best interests are served. Bove said he believed Senior is a good choice for McQueary.

"Brett Senior has a very fine reputation," he said.

In addition, Mike's father said Paterno has been very supportive in helping his son follow the right path to the NFL.

"You kind of have to keep a straight and level head and not be too cocky about it," he said.

Mike said he will miss his family when he is away in California, but it is time for him to move on.

"I am still kind of hesitant," he said. "It's a long way away from home. It's a different world out there. It's a big learning experience. I am going to leave a lot of people behind, but you have to go out there and get on with your way of life."

One of the people who will be hit hardest by Mike's departure is his father.

"My dad is a big part of my life," Mike said. "He has helped me along the way quite a bit. He's only a phone call away.

"I owe a lot of this to him."

Although John grew up as a Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns fan, he now follows the Pittsburgh Steelers. But he may have to change his devotion to the Raiders.

"I couldn't imagine myself as a Raider fan," John said, "but, trust me, if he was on the Raiders, I will wear the silver and black with allegiance."

When John sports his Raiders gear it will not only be a chance to show his allegiance, but to let everyone know how proud he is of his son as well.

"You share in that joy with him," he said. "It's so stacked against (Mike). You pinch yourself to make sure you aren't dreaming."

Along with the adjustment to being away from his family, Mike will also have to adjust to the faster, harder-hitting and more experienced players of the NFL.

Mike led the Lion offense last season, but Paterno's relatively conservative offense is dramatically different than the run-and-gun West Coast offense of the Raiders.

Mike said he likes the Raiders' offense because it will allow him to stay in the pocket longer, which makes his lack of mobility less of a detriment.

Although the immense talent throughout the NFL may make it difficult for Mike to become the next Jim Plunkett, John said it is still possible for his son to get some playing time. If George plays poorly today, he may be gone tomorrow, and that's where Mike could enter the picture.

Whatever level of success Mike attains, one thing will never change. Saturday afternoons will be dedicated to Penn State football.

"Penn State is definitely where my heart is," he said. "I will definitely watch the games and follow the guys who are still in the program.

With his career as a Little Lion and Nittany Lion behind him, McQueary has a lot to be thankful for as he attempts to make that next step on the football ladder.

"I couldn't ask for anything more," he said. "The Lord has really watched out for me and my family. I have been very fortunate and lucky. I am a lucky guy, that's for sure.

"Things have worked out great for me."