Boca Ciega’s, SS/OLB, Elijah McClendon is one of the most talented players in the Tampa Bay Area. The 6-0/195lbs, 2012 prospect is being recruited as both a strong safety and an outside linebacker. Currently McClendon holds verbal offers from Western Michigan, Middle Tennessee State, Bethune Cookman and North Carolina Central. We went of the script with McClendon with a quick Q & A:
BCP: Is Boca Ciega a dark horse in Pinellas County this year?
MCCLENDON: oh yea, I feel like we have a good team. We will be sleeping g giants this year.
BCP: How is the difference in team’s attitude from last year to this year?
MCCLENDON: We have always had a good attitude. We didn’t have leadership that Coach Brinson has provided.
BCP: What is the team’s single goal for 2011?
MCCLENDON: We want to make it to the playoffs and become district champs.
BCP: Do you feel that you are being over looked as a college prospect?
MCCLENDON: No, but I do feel like I’m under the radar with some schools. I will keep working hard.
BCP: When you were a youth league player, did you ever feel you would get the opportunity to play college football?
MCCLENDON: I have always dreamed about it. I didn’t have much direction then. Now I do thanks to the coaches.
BCP: How has your work ethic changed from your freshman or sophomore year to now?
MCCLENDON: It has gotten a lot better. As a freshman I didn’t know what to expect. Now I put in work when others are not. When everyone else is sleeping, I’m trying to get better.
BCP: What attracts you to certain recruiters from respective schools?
MCCLENDON: Recruiters personality. I look to build a relationship with that coach.
BCP: When was your best high school game?
MCCLENDON: Versus Lakewood last season. I had 4 sacks and 15 tackles.
BCP: Has there been an obstacle that you had to overcome in your life?
MCCLENDON: Not having my dad around to teach me how to be a man has always been a struggle, but my mother has done the best she can.
BCP: How do want to be remembered?
MCCLENDON: I want to be remembered as that guy that never gave up and went 100% all the time. One hell of a football player!