Conor McDermott engages in a role reversal every time he protects Josh Rosen from defenders charging from the quarterback’s blind side.
For much of his career, McDermott was the one no one saw coming.
UCLA’s massive left tackle appeared to be more likely to play in Pauley Pavilion than in the Rose Bowl until only a few years ago. He was Tennessee’s Mr. Basketball in high school and didn’t even send out tapes of his football highlights until after his senior year, when the Bruins finally recruited him as an undersized tight end.
Girth is no longer an issue for someone who resembles a mid-career NFL lineman.