Michael McMonigle, a Redshirt Freshman Offensive Lineman at the University of Maryland did not have the typical path you would expect for him to get to where he is. There was no pop warner or even middle school ball for this big man out of York, Pa. Playing his high school ball at William Penn High School in York, “Big Mike” as his teammates would call him began playing football his freshman year of high school as he was encouraged by his father to give the sport a try. Early in his career, it did not take long for McMonigle to realized he was destined to be on the offensive line.
FROM NEWCOMER OF THE GAME
TO GOING FBS
Already being 6’5 as a freshman in high school, Mike met Russell Stoner (Head Football Coach at William Penn) and Ben Cregger (Offensive Line Coach at William Penn) where the conversation of offensive line began. After his first workout with the team, McMonigle said he realized early on he had a chance to play college football after Coach Cregger pulled him aside during his freshman season and explained he had a chance if he pushed himself and worked hard.
When asked about that moment, Coach Cregger didn’t hesitate to speak on it. “I remember that day clearly. From the very first time he went through his very first drill on the boards I knew he had the potential to play at the highest level possible. His movements were just natural.” Coach Stoner had similar thoughts about the young McMonigle, “When you see someone with his natural size, it’s hard to not get excited as a coach. As he got going you saw he had a strong work ethic and got committed to his craft. Once he believed he could do it, there was not limit to where’d he’d end up. So proud of not only the player but the person he has grown into.”
McMonigle in 2025 Maryland Spring Game
3-Star/4-Star OL Mike McMonigle
from William Penn/York High, York PA
Since that day, Big Mike went on to have a solid high school career for the Bearcats. Becoming a 3-year starter/multi-year captain, he developed into a 3-Star/4-Star recruit and a PA All-State Selection during his time in high school. With his size, abilities, and success on the field grabbing the attention of 20+ Division 1 programs including where the 6’7 OL would ultimately end up, the University of Maryland.
McMonigle is a part of AFL and the Collegiate Athletic Planning Program and gives credit to the program for his development. “AFL and the CAP program helped me understand how to navigate the recruiting process and what it would mean to have offers. On the field I would have a target on my back, and off the field I had an image to uphold.” McMonigle also added, “AFL/CAP as a whole is great for someone who wants a chance to play college football. The coaches there all do a phenomenal job.”
Mike McMonigle Signing Day
Supported by Coach and Teammates
Left to Right: Ben Cregger (Coach), Sean Tanner (OL at Elon), Joden Nelson (OL at Towson), Trey Quinones (OL at Kutztown), Terrance Drakeford (Millersville Commit), Saumir Deshields (DL at Fairmont State)
While many athletes believe reaching the Division I level is strictly based on skill, McMonigle emphasized the importance of academics. He said, “The biggest difference I’ve seen in playing at the Division I level is the grades. Lots of good players don’t get to where they want to go because they don’t have the grades to get there. Your connections, and who you train with certainly make a difference, but the grades are the end all be all when it comes down to it.”
When asked about a piece of advice he had for younger athletes looking to play college football, he said “My advice for younger athletes is really just to put yourself in situations that are going to help you to propel yourself to achieve your goals. If you surround yourself with the right people, work hard and get your grades right, the rest will follow. Do not wait or think it will just happen for you; time is both your biggest ally and enemy don’t waste opportunities when they present themselves.”
McMonigle is currently working on getting into the business school and plans on majoring in Finance. He added that ultimately when he is done playing football, he wants to become a financial advisor.
What started as an experiment for McMonigle turned into a passion. That passion has now opened the opportunity to play at the highest level of collegiate football. The future is bright for McMonigle as he now looks to make a name for himself playing for the Maryland Terrapins.
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