Paul McGowan
Years: 1984-87
Position: Linebacker
The Buzz: McGowan came out of Winter Park High and was one of the best linebackers in Seminoles history before the Minnesota Vikings took him in the ninth round of the 1988 NFL draft.
Stats: McGowan ranks fourth on FSU’s all-time list with 446 career tackles and eighth with 32 career tackles for loss. He forced six fumbles for the Seminoles.
Click here to sign up for OrlandoSentinel.com sports text alerts
Honors: He was a first-team All-American in 1987 after being an honorable mention choice the previous two years.
Great moment: McGowan became the first FSU player to win the Butkus Award in 1987.
Quote: “McGowan doesn’t stagger you with tangibles, size and speed, but he has great instincts. He makes good decisions in traffic. Some people can’t do that.” — former FSU defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews, in 1987
