On The Trail

          UA jersey tour: Ray-Ray McCloud III

          TAMPA, Fla. -- ESPN300 ATH Ray-Ray McCloud III, was presented with his Under Armour All-America Game jersey Thursday morning in a ceremony sponsored by American Family Insurance. The ceremony took place in front of family, friends and teammates at the Sickles High School gymnasium in Tampa, Florida.

          The 12th-ranked athlete and the 151st-ranked player overall in the ESPN 300 said he felt honored to be selected to one of the top All-America games in the country.

          “I feel honored and blessed. Just growing up and watching this game and wishing and dreaming of playing in this game and now dreams are coming to reality,” McCloud said. "I feel blessed to be presented with my jersey today. It’s a dream come true."

          McCloud has been committed to Clemson since July. The four-star athlete has never wavered in his pledged to the Tigers despite still being pursued by several other schools.

          “With Clemson, I’m 100 percent. That’s where my heart is right now,” the four-star athlete said. "But other schools like Bama, Ole Miss, UCLA, Florida and USF are recruiting me hard but I’m solid to Clemson.

          “I just like the character they build at the schools. The football players, coaches and even the rest of campus is a caring culture and everybody is all about Clemson. They put God first. Coach Dabo [Swinney], his character is just off the charts. He loves the kids."

          Six questions with Ray-Ray McCloud III

          Who was the best player you ever saw play in the Under Armour game?

          McCloud: I’d say Vernon Hargreaves III. Him coming from Florida and representing the area like he has. He’s lived up to the hype and done his thing.

          If you could start a team with any other player in your class who would it be?

          McCloud: Derwin James. Just with his leadership and the way he carries a defense. He can pick up the defense and just change the whole defense.

          If you could go one-on-one with any other player in this class who would it be?

          McCloud: Probably Byron Cowart. They beat us my sophomore year, and I’d love to go against him again.

          What's your earliest football memory?

          McCloud: When I was playing little league football I had a 60-yard touchdown called back, then a 70-yard touchdown called back, then finally an 80-yard touchdown that counted. I was done after that.

          If you could take on a professional athlete in their sport, who would it be and why?

          McCloud: A.I. — Allen Iverson. He’s my favorite basketball player and I’d like to go against the best.

          What kind of player can Clemson expect to get when you get on campus?

          McCloud: A leader, ready to work. I’m mature and a guy that’s dedicated in everything he does.