To read Part II of this interview -- where McDonald talks about getting recruited by Norv Turner's brother and developing a plan to make it in the NFL -- click here.
Michael Kranzler: You graduated early and have since been pursuing a graduate degree in aerospace engineering. What do you want to do with that degree after your football career is over?
Ryan McDonald: I've got a little bit of scholarship money. I got an NCAA postgraduate scholarship, a little from being a Draddy finalist, so I'm hopefully going to finish it up and then eventually get a job with a company like NASA, Boeing, Lockheed or something like that building aircrafts.
MK: You were a three-time Scholar Athlete of the Year for Illinois. How important was it for you to get a solid education during your college football career?
RM: It's kind of funny. I was not highly recruited at all out of high school. I didn't expect to actually start for a couple of years, so I figured I would get the most out of my education. Illinois has a great engineering school, and it just so happened that I started for four years, and I just continued pursuing that, so it worked out really well.
MK: Tell me why you think Seth Rogen would be the best actor to play you in a movie about your life?
RM: I don't know. I feel like I can be a little awkward and he has a little bit of awkwardness to him. It's just kind of more that he's just a fun-loving guy. I think it just seems like he could be the type.
MK: You were 6-foot-4, 185 pounds in your sophomore year of high school. What did you need to do to bulk up to nearly 300 pounds?
RM: A lot of lifting and a lot of eating. It's not too hard. I mean, it was hard, but the formula is really simple.
MK: Is there anything you want to say to Charger fans, or that you would like them to know about you?
RM: I can't really think of anything right now. I'm just excited to be here.
To read Part II of this interview -- where McDonald talks about getting recruited by Norv Turner's brother and developing a plan to make it in the NFL -- click here.