Return They tangibly need his athleticism. Because with sixth-year senior Kevin Richardson injured again (likely out until midseason after breaking his foot in a freak accident moving furniture), McClure starts preseason as the firstteam nickel. It’s a

was a receiver when I came back those first couple of weeks working out and me and coach (Morris) said, ‘You need to come to the dark side.’ Coach started hinting at it and I made the transition and it’s been great for me.”

Defense was not entirely new to him.

“Actually my first varsity action in high school I was a safety,” McClure said.

“I started in 10th grade as a safety and then I moved to receiver. I played some corner my last (high school) year so I have a defensive background.”

Obviously, secondary experience comes in handy at the hybrid position variously called Sam outside linebacker or nickel back depending on

the personnel grouping.

“I think I’m classified as a nickel/Sam,” McClure said.

“Hayden Henry (the 6-2, 222-pound sophomore from Pulaski Academy) is a Sam and I’m doing a lot of nickel, but I’m here to do whatever the team needs me to be.”

Veteran defensive coordinator John Chavis said the team always needs an experienced athlete like former pro minor league baseball player McClure to lend the team his experience.

“I think McClure is a guy with a big upside because he’s older and he’s mature,” Chavis said. “He’s not an 18-year-old kid. He’s a 23-year-old man. That makes a difference.”

They need more than his intangible experience now.

two.”

In the meantime, Richardson’s absence obviously becomes McClure’s nickel with sophomore Derrick Munson and true freshman Joe Foucha working there, too.

“I try not to look at it like that,” McClure said. “I try to look at it that I’m coming in to help the team where they need me.”

He was going to prepare like a ready to play first-teamer regardless of Richardson’s availability.

“You stay ready you don’t have to get ready,” McClure said.

Morris said after the first two practices that McClure started ready to play.

“D’Vone McClure is moving around,” Morris said. “Running well, tracking to the ball.”