Nice piece on the newest Colt lineman
“I feel like that bench press is an old stat,” McClendon said during the Colts’ rookie minicamp April 30-May 2. “I’m worried about being a better football player. You want to come in and see what it takes to be a professional.”
That McClendon has moved on to higher priorities is a reflection of a crucial detail: the 6-3, 305-pound Cleveland, Tenn., native is a seeker. His brain might be more impressive than his well-demonstrated brawn. He won Academic All-Southeastern Conference honors three times in four years. Not only did he graduate, but he earned a master’s degree in sports management.
McClendon is one of the more intriguing principals in a cadre of interior linemen who will battle for roster spots during training camp and the preseason. In addition to Pro Bowl
center Jeff Saturday, there are Kyle DeVan, Mike Pollak, Jamey Richard, Andy Alleman and Jaimie Thomas, to mention only the veterans.
Colts coach Jim Caldwell likes McClendon’s brains, strength and athleticism. He believes McClendon could be an “anchor” in the middle.
“From what I see,” Caldwell said, “he certainly has a big upside.”
McClendon played in 49 games and started 26 at Tennessee. In four years, he didn’t miss a game because of injury.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
