A few years ago, Clemson coach Dabo Swinney successfully recruited WR Ray-Ray McCloud out of Tampa. In doing so, Swinney also met McCloud’s younger brother Kobe. Fast forward to 2021 and Kobe (6-0 208) is a linebacker prospect who took an official visit to Clemson over the weekend. He was joined by his parents, sister and Ray-Ray. They were all back at Clemson, and this coming week, Kobe is expected to give them a reason for return visits.
“It’s looking like it,” McCloud said when asked if he’s Clemson bound. “Just got to talk to my parents and sit down with them. They are super excited. They can’t wait to go back to the games. Get back in the atmosphere again. Go through the whole Tiger Walk and watching me play.”
McCloud has made several trips to Clemson over the years, but this one was special as he got the full recruiting treatment from Swinney and the staff.
“I loved it. Great love from all the coaches, everyone on staff, all the former players. It felt like home walking in the building,” McCloud said. “They love how versatile I am. Whenever I come in, they said wherever I fit in the best first year they’ll like me. They know I can cover, and I’ll hit, and matchup on tight ends. They like how I can play any of those positions. Sideline to sideline, that’s my strength.”
This past season McCloud totaled 80 tackles with 3 sacks and 3 interceptions. He said Swinney acknowledged he’d come a long way from his early teen years when they first met.
“He loved my growth from my sophomore year to now,” McCloud said. “His words were you know you’re a thumper, very agile and instinctive with great awareness. He just loves my play. Last time he saw me I was like 13-14. He basically said I remember you when you were a chubby kid. Now, you’re tall and muscular, so it’s crazy to see the growth. It was a great moment.”
McCloud also took official visits to Arizona and Massachusetts, but he said his recruiting is over and it’s just a matter of him making an announcement this week.
