“So that was something that we worked on a lot as he was coming up, channeling that into how to actually lead and not just yell at other people. And so to see him kind of grab the group and take him with them. He was an elevator, raised his level in the second half and he played lights out.”

Those lessons McCormick learned along the way were one reason he chose to stay at South Dakota State. With NIL money what it is now in college football, good players at smaller programs are often tempted to leave for greener pastures or higher-profile programs.

McCormick had offers to go elsewhere. But he chose to stick things out at South Dakota State.

“I had offers but the temptation was not there,” McCormick said. “South Dakota State gave so much to me and developed me into who I am now. Who am I to leave South Dakota State? They poured so much into me. I feel like they should be able to reap the benefits of what they helped create. And, you know, sure, some money would be cool or whatever, but it’s just ultimately my loyalties lie with the people that are good to me.”

It’s one of the things that, as Meyer said on draft day, made McCormick want to be a member of the Steelers.

The team had shown a lot of interest in him, and he wanted to be part of what he feels is a top-notch organization.

“It’s the culture that I’ve seen forever,” McCormick said. “This team has been one that embodies a super-hard work ethic. I’ve met a lot of good people and from everything I’ve heard this place is amazing and the people are awesome. And it’s definitely something that I wanted to be a part of.”

That’s the mentality with which McCormick approaches the game and his craft.

And it’s what makes him such an attractive prospect.

The loyalty to which McCormick referred to when sticking with South Dakota State makes Olson proud.

“That loyalty is a reflection of who he is as a person,” Olson said. “He’s kind of a throwback. He’s an old-school guy in a younger person’s body. There just aren’t a lot of those left any more, and it certainly means a lot to hear him say stuff like that. It is good to have a guy like that in your program.”