Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
LB McCloud adjusting to new role
CORAL GABLES — Zach McCloud arrived at Miami as part of a trio of highly-recruited, highly-talented linebackers that many expected would be a part of the Hurricanes defense for several seasons.
Three years later, he, Shaq Quarterman and Michael Pinckney have become stalwarts for Miami, starting as freshmen in 2016 and going on to become the seasoned, veteran leaders on Hurricanes defense.
Now, early in camp, McCloud — a former standout at Santaluces High — has found himself taking on a new role for the Hurricanes, spending time working at Miami’s new striker position, a sort of athletic strongside linebacker who can provide additional help in pass coverage.
But asked Wednesday if he should now be called a “striker” or “linebacker,” McCloud joked he’s comfortable wearing either label.
“I am always excited. You know, I love to do new things. If they told me to put my hand in the dirt, and rush the passer like that, you know, I would be excited for that,” McCloud said. “I actually, have been bugging them, kind of, to let me do something like that. But I am excited to do whatever I can to help the team. I know that is kind of like a really generic answer, but I really mean it when I say it.”
Working with McCloud at the striker position have been Romeo Finley and Derrick Smith. De’Andre Wilder also worked at the position in the spring.
Adjusting to his new responsibilities hasn’t been the only camp development for McCloud, who is now full go after missing the latter part of spring workouts when he reaggravated a wrist injury.
During the summer, McCloud was unsure whether he’d be cleared to participate fully in camp, but after getting the okay from team doctors and trainers, McCloud has been a full participant through the first five days of practice, including on Wednesday when the Hurricanes donned full pads for the first time.
The junior was sporting some extra tape on his injured wrist during a conversation with reporters Wednesday but said he hasn’t felt any kind of lingering pain or experienced any kind of problem.
“Well, they trust me enough to have me out here on the field and let me bang with it. I feel comfortable enough to play in it and I haven’t had any issues playing so far,” McCloud said. “And I have really gone the furthest I can, really, to test it out. So I guess Saturday will be the real test. But until then I’ll be hitting and striking just the same way I have been doing since I’ve been here.”
The Hurricanes, who opened camp this past Saturday, are scheduled to scrimmage this weekend.
Michael Badgley’s
kicker in the nation by ESPN last season. Early on, he’s been doing enough to impress both special teams coordinator and coach said on Wednesday.
“He’s everything that we thought he’d be. Strong leg, kid that’s very composed, okay? He doesn’t falter in the moment,” Hartley said. “We’ve put him out here live against the defense in front of the head coach and he’s answered the bell. Only five practices and we only do about six kicks a day in front of the head coach — they work on their field all day long — but through five practices, he’s shown everything that we thought that he would show. He’s doing a nice job.”
As to Baxa’s accuracy, Hartley said it was “really good.” He added that the kicker has hit from the 50-yard range.
“He’s got the leg, don’t worry about that,” Hartley said. “He’s got that.”
As to punter who had his share of struggles last year, Hartley said he’s seen a noticeable difference from the sophomore who averaged 38.6 yards per punt last year.
“Absolutely, 100 percent, night and day,” Hartley responded when asked if Feagles was more consistent. “Great camp. Great camp for Feagles.”
Todd Hartley Mark Richt,
Hartley
Zach Feagles,