Zach McCloud
LB - 6'2 218 Freshman - Lake Worth, Fl
Blessed with great size (a frame he can really grow into), a never ending motor, and terrific athleticism.
Will start his career at the Sam (strong side) LB position, but could be moved around as he develops.
Top 4 SAM LBs in Univ. Miami spring camp: 1. Jermaine Grace, 2. Charles Perry, 3. Zach McCloud, 4. Eddie Dunn. (Backups sometime rotate)
— Susan Miller Degnan (@smillerdegnan) April 5, 2016
Rated as a 3/4 star prospect depending on the recruiting service coming out of Santaluces H.S. (same school to produce legendary 'Cane Vince Wilfork).
Seems like a very personable/outgoing young man.
And should flourish in an attacking D once he picks up experience:
Summary: Okay so he's not as far along as fellow frosh LB's Shaq Quarterman and Michael Pinckney (both have seen time with the 1's during the Spring). Not every freshman is ready to start, and McCloud will probably need a year or two to add some to his frame. But once he adds some more power to his athleticism, this kid might be a sleeper of a D1 LB. He brings a lot of speed and instincts to the equation, and when he gets to the ball carrier he's a hitter to be sure. In 2016 I expect McCloud to be more of a depth player, and perhaps see some time at ST. Given UM's lack of depth at the position, he may be forced into action, and a RS seems like a luxury the staff can not afford with him. The bigger story however, is his long term potential. McCloud plays with a nasty streak that could see him cultivate into a fan favorite. He'll have a year to learn the position from Jermaine Grace, but by 2017 he should be a major factor in Manny Diaz' defense. That could be very fun to watch down the line, because McCloud can really separate an offensive player from the ball.