Although Travis McBride is considered to be one of the top running backs in the WPIAL this year, many teams have been after the 6-foot-1, 195 pound, 4.55 second forty athlete as a safety or linebacker.
As a sophomore he ran for 703 yards. As a junior, he carried the ball 110 times for 1,117 yards (10.1 YPC) and 19 touchdowns, earning first team All-Conference honors and a selection to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's South All-Star squad.
Despite his success on offense, it's his speed and instincts on defense which has had many programs eyeing him at the next level.
As McBride explained to Scout, "The best things in my favor on the field are my vision, speed and shiftiness. I've got good control of my body and I find holes well on offense. I think those things would help make me a good defensive back too."
This season, playing on both sides of the ball at both running back and defensive back, McBride led his Tiger squad to a 7-2 regular season record. McKeesport rolled over teams in the playoffs, outscoring them 202-65, on their way to championship game against Bethlehem Liberty.
Although McBride suffered an injury in the title game which sidelined him in the second quarter, the Tigers won 49-10 giving McKeesport the PIAA AAAA title. This year he ended up with 1,607 yards on the ground and 23 touchdowns.
With offers from Iowa, North Carolina State, UConn, Louisville and West Virginia, McBride was visited by Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Bradley in late November. As one PSU observer said, "His build and speed are impressive. The coaches like his instincts which seems to have them thinking safety."
According to McBride, "I'm a very good blocker and I've got good vision and a good feel for the game." He has been working on his speed and size this season to compete at the next level. A level which will have him wearing blue and white in years to come.
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