Florida Gators Still in Recruitment of Ray-Ray McCloud

Add another log onto the fire that has been the recruitment of Ray-Ray McCloud.

The Tampa, Florida running back has been a Clemson commit since July 2014 and had coupled that with his intentions to become an early enrollee for the Tigers.

Now, McCloud is saying he’s going to wait a little bit longer before making that jump.

Running Back Ray-Ray McCloud talks with reporters at UA-AA Registration
Running Back Ray-Ray McCloud talks with reporters at UA-AA Registration

Speaking to GatorCountry in Orlando, Florida at the Under Armour All-American Game registration day, McCloud said it was a joint decision.

“My family, just after Christmas I decided I didn’t want to go.”

With National Signing Day just starting to peek over the horizon (it falls on February 4, 2015), McCloud’s indecision comes at a crucial recruiting time and the perfect opportunity for another school to sneak in and grab him…a school like Florida.

New head coach Jim McElwain has a vision, and according to McCloud, he sees a certain Sickles High running back in it.

“[He] just told me I could pitch in, get a chance, try to just see his dream”. McCloud explained.

“He named a couple of running backs that he actually coached and stuff but all the ones he named was big backs, and I’m not a big back, I’m kind of a scap back, kinda thin but I think he’s a great coach”

A “scap” back is accurate. McElwain has coached backs such as Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson, Eddie Lacy and Dee Hart who all average around 214 lbs., whereas McCloud is a generous 5’9”, 175 lbs.

But ranked as the number 6 overall athlete at his position and hailing from talent rich area of Central Florida, McCloud is still a get worth getting. It’s just going to take a little more effort to “get” him.

“I’m not gonna take an official [to Florida]”, he declares. In fact he says he won’t take any more at all, not even an official visit to Clemson, just “gonna go up on a weekend to visit.”

“I’m done”. He reiterates. “I’m done with it till Signing Day.”

As far as what could happen on Signing Day though, well that’s a fire that is still burning itself out.

 

 

Kassidy Hill
Born into a large family of sports fanatics and wordsmiths alike, sports journalism came natural to Kassidy. It’s more than a passion; it’s simply a part of who she is. Hailing from Alabama in the midst of typical Iron Bowl family, she learned very quickly just how deep ties in the SEC could run. She came to Gainesville after college to pursue a degree as television sports reporter but quickly realized she missed writing. She’s excited to now marry the two aspects for Gator fans. She loves Jesus, her daddy and football; wants to be Billy Donovan’s best friend and firmly believes that offensive lineman are the best people on earth. Follow her on Twitter @KassidyGHill

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