The NFLPA Collegiate Bowl has presented an opportunity for Florida State quarterback Sean Maguire to show off his skills to some NFL personnel.
The NFLPA invites and utilizes former NFL players as position coaches to work hands-on with game participants and show them the nuances of the professional game during a week of practice. Former NFL quarterback, head coach, and long-time quarterback coach Jim Zorn is the head coach of Maguire’s team.
“Coach Zorn has been involved with the league for many years,” said Maguire after Thursday’s American Team practice. “He’s been giving us the inside scoop left and right about what we need to work on, some things I’ll be able to take away and apply for the next couple of months.”
Maguire was under the tutelage of quarterback-guru Jim Fisher for five seasons at Florida State. It also doesn’t hurt to have had a national championship and Heisman trophy-winning quarterback as a teammate to spend time with.
“I learned a lot from Jameis,” said Maguire. “We came in together and sat in the quarterback room together. He’s a great player and better guy.”
Maguire had a decent 2015 season in which he was 4-2 as a starter. Unfortunately, he broke his ankle in the 2015 Peach Bowl and spent the majority of the off season rehabbing his injury. He was still on pace to start in 2016 until foot surgery paved the way for Deondre Francois to win the starting job.
“Obviously my situation – breaking my foot in camp – was terrible but I loved Florida state and try to give Deondre every piece of advice I ever had and help him along the way,” said Maguire.
That type of unselfishness speaks volumes about his character and probably earned him brownie points with people who put stock into such things. One NFC scout in attendance, who requested to be anonymous, said that Maguire is a smart player and made excellent reads.
“I’m looking forward to playing Saturday in a real-live game,” said a confident Maguire. “I’ve been able to show them what I can do this week in practice.”
