Per ESPN:
Where He Excels:
Zach McCloud is a vicious hitter! He rarely loses at the point of contact whether it’s a ball carrier or a lead blocker. Usually players are either sure tacklers or big hitters, McCloud is both. He has a lengthy frame and still has room to grow. Big wing span helps McCloud when he drops into underneath pass coverage. Good closing speed when rushing the passer. Long strider makes for deceptive speed. Has the ability to get sideline to sideline against the run game. Once McCloud reads run, he shoots the gap with ferocity.
What To Work On:
As a taller linebacker, McCloud needs to focus on playing with a lower pad level every snap. This is very common with high school kids; using chutes in practice every day will help this. Work on opening up his hips will help McCloud be able to play some man coverage on tight ends. At times, McCloud takes too long on his reads which his athleticism makes up for in high school, but won't be able to in college. With McCloud’s playing abilities, becoming a film junkie will help him with his reads and make him unstoppable.
Kokell Film Analysis:
For a player that is relatively new to the game, it is amazing how complete of a linebacker McCloud is. McCloud has that Mike Tyson effect; you can’t take your eyes off of him for a second out of fear of missing the next knockout blow. Watch the sideline after McCloud delivers one of his hits and you will see how he can change a game single handily. McCloud brings an intensity that can fire up an entire team. The thought of how good McCloud will be next year is both exciting and frightening at the same time.
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