The University of Miami offered 2016 Santaluces (Fla.) LB Zach McCloud on November 13th; after getting a glimpse of the Hurricanes play Florida State this past weekend, he saw enough to make him commit the next day.
While the decision seems like a quick one, McCloud says it’s always been a plan of his to suit up in the orange and green.
“Years and years of wanting to play at Miami, I’ve been wanting to play there for a while. The temptation was too great. Although it’s only a verbal commitment, but I don’t see myself changing to another school.”
McCloud has always taken a notice of the great linebackers Miami has produced along with other players and cites that as main reason for his pledge.
“They produce some great linebackers. One in particular besides Ray lewis, because everyone talks about him, but Sean Spence he kinda wanted to make me play there. You know Jon Beason, I can think of a few of them.” said McCloud. “One guy that graduated from my high school and went to Miami , Vince Wilfork, and I just wanted to continue that tradition. Plus it’s very close to my grandma’s house and she makes some amazing food (laughs).”
The 6’3 215 pound linebacker is already familiar with some current Hurricane players including former Santaluces Alumnus Darrell Langham.
“Knowing that I’ll have (Langham) there with me along with other players from Palm Beach like Marques Gayot from Park Vista, even though he’s kind of my arch nemesis since he went to Park Vista, but we can play together at the next level. Kc McDermott from Palm Beach Central, just players that are familiar with the area.”
With McCloud’s commitment Miami holds quite the stable of linebackers in the 2016 class alongside Shaquille Quarterman and Michael Pickney. McCloud has high hopes for the linebacking corp and is ready to compete.
“I thought about that way before they offered way before they offered me and not just Miami. Knowing that when I go to college, I’m going to have to hit the ground running and compete for a spot because there are guys that are All-Americans and have this and that on their backs, here I am from a small school just trying to be the best I can be.” said McCloud. “Knowing that I’ve been to be given scholarship offers with these three other elite guys, it gives me confidence that I’m ready to compete with them. With time I believe everything will work itself out and we’ll be the best linebacker in all of college one day and get a championship.”
The Palm Beach county product was in attendance for the Hurricanes game against Florida State this past weekend and was very impressed with what he saw from the defense.
“I honestly believe this, with our actual scheme and the way we played that we can beat them. They didn’t score that touchdown on purpose, the pass was batted down and they caught it luckily. I think we actually had them beat, except for that one play which you can’t even really call it a mistake. I hope with my class we can be the first ones to beat FSU in Miami in a long time.”
McCloud likes to model his game after two specific players who bring a high intensity level to the game.
“Ray Lewis and Brian Dawkins, they’re two animals and I have a natural aggression about me and after watching them it can turn into a full blown mean streak. I try to play like them and Sean Spence from the Pittsburgh Steelers, he’s pretty vicious and I like him too.”
While the decision seems like a quick one, McCloud says it’s always been a plan of his to suit up in the orange and green.
“Years and years of wanting to play at Miami, I’ve been wanting to play there for a while. The temptation was too great. Although it’s only a verbal commitment, but I don’t see myself changing to another school.”
McCloud has always taken a notice of the great linebackers Miami has produced along with other players and cites that as main reason for his pledge.
“They produce some great linebackers. One in particular besides Ray lewis, because everyone talks about him, but Sean Spence he kinda wanted to make me play there. You know Jon Beason, I can think of a few of them.” said McCloud. “One guy that graduated from my high school and went to Miami , Vince Wilfork, and I just wanted to continue that tradition. Plus it’s very close to my grandma’s house and she makes some amazing food (laughs).”
The 6’3 215 pound linebacker is already familiar with some current Hurricane players including former Santaluces Alumnus Darrell Langham.
“Knowing that I’ll have (Langham) there with me along with other players from Palm Beach like Marques Gayot from Park Vista, even though he’s kind of my arch nemesis since he went to Park Vista, but we can play together at the next level. Kc McDermott from Palm Beach Central, just players that are familiar with the area.”
With McCloud’s commitment Miami holds quite the stable of linebackers in the 2016 class alongside Shaquille Quarterman and Michael Pickney. McCloud has high hopes for the linebacking corp and is ready to compete.
“I thought about that way before they offered way before they offered me and not just Miami. Knowing that when I go to college, I’m going to have to hit the ground running and compete for a spot because there are guys that are All-Americans and have this and that on their backs, here I am from a small school just trying to be the best I can be.” said McCloud. “Knowing that I’ve been to be given scholarship offers with these three other elite guys, it gives me confidence that I’m ready to compete with them. With time I believe everything will work itself out and we’ll be the best linebacker in all of college one day and get a championship.”
The Palm Beach county product was in attendance for the Hurricanes game against Florida State this past weekend and was very impressed with what he saw from the defense.
“I honestly believe this, with our actual scheme and the way we played that we can beat them. They didn’t score that touchdown on purpose, the pass was batted down and they caught it luckily. I think we actually had them beat, except for that one play which you can’t even really call it a mistake. I hope with my class we can be the first ones to beat FSU in Miami in a long time.”
McCloud likes to model his game after two specific players who bring a high intensity level to the game.
“Ray Lewis and Brian Dawkins, they’re two animals and I have a natural aggression about me and after watching them it can turn into a full blown mean streak. I try to play like them and Sean Spence from the Pittsburgh Steelers, he’s pretty vicious and I like him too.”
