Mike McGlinchey and Aaron Banks spent just one season together at Notre Dame. McGlinchey was a senior, getting ready to head to the NFL. Banks was a freshman. However, the two kept in contact. Now, they are being reunited. The San Francisco 49ers made Banks a second-round draft pick last week.
General manager John Lynch joked that McGlinchey pushed for San Francisco to draft Banks.
"I think, obviously, you always want the guy that's big, that can move and is a scheme fit," Lynch said of Banks last week. "And I think in this case, we believe that we found a candidate for that. We really grew to appreciate Aaron throughout the process. His film was very good at Notre Dame. The Senior Bowl was a positive look in person for us, continued to grow there.
"And then, Mike McGlinchey's incessant cheering for him. He is a bigger guy, but he moves exceptionally well. And so we think he's a really nice fit."
McGlinchey joined KNBR this afternoon to discuss his former college teammate and pushing for Lynch to select Banks.
"Every time I'm asked about a guy from Notre Dame, I'm always on board for bringing him onto the team, especially guys that I played offensive line with," McGlinchey told Greg Papa and John Lund. "I know who they are. I've known them for a long time. I know what they are capable of. And Aaron certainly fits the bill of what it's going to be like to be a Niner and be successful in our offense.
"So happy to have him, and very, very excited for Aaron and his family. He's from right up the road. He went to El Cerrito High School in the East Bay, so he's ready to go."
McGlinchey added that he still keeps in touch with all of his old teammates. Not just Banks. So, naturally, when the 49ers come asking about a Notre Dame player, McGlinchey can offer up some good insight.
"I knew what Banks was capable of," McGlinchey shared. "I know the athletic ability he has. I know the size that he has. And I know how great of a guy he is, too. And that's what we look for here, and that's what John and (head coach) Kyle (Shanahan) have always looked for, is obviously, how can they help us on the field, but what can they do for us in the locker room too. And Aaron crushes every test that comes up with all that."
McGlinchey last saw Banks a few months ago, before Notre Dame's pro day.
"He looks great, and he's in shape, and he's ready to go," the 49ers tackle said. "He's going to provide a lot of cool things we can do with him on the inside, having that kind of strength and big body in pass [protection] and being able to move people off the ball. He'll get up to speed quick.
"We have a great coach in Chris Foerster, who's done this a long time. It's going to help Aaron get up to speed as fast as possible. I have no qualms and no worries about Aaron being ready to go."
You can listen to the entire conversation with McGlinchey below.
