The Retort

Draft Preview: Electric McCluster

February 19th, 2010 by Joe Olivo Of The Retort Staff

Possibly the most explosive player in this year’s NFL Draft is the former Ole Miss Rebel’s jack-of-all-trades, Dexter McCluster. McCluster was born and raised in Largo, Florida. He attended Largo High School where he played mostly running back, going for 2,490 yards and 39 touchdowns in his senior year. McCluster choose to go to spend his college career at Mississippi.

As a true freshman in 2006, he started five of the team’s first six games before missing the rest of the season with injury. He managed 232 receiving yards and 68 rushing yards while adding two touchdowns. During his sophomore year he was limited by injuries, playing in only eight games. He totaled 326 receiving yards and 63 rushing yards. He broke out in his junior year.

While starting every game for the Rebels he rushed for 655 yards and added another 625 yards receiving while making seven touchdowns. He continued his success in 2009, his senior year. He became the team’s starting running back, rushing for 1,169 yards. He also added 520 yards receiving and 11 total touchdowns.

McCluster was invited to and participated in this year’s Senior Bowl for NFL Network. He had scouts instantly raving about his explosiveness. “He constantly amazed me at how tough he is, his explosive burst and acceleration. He was wide receiver and running back experience. He can even return kicks for a team. I’ve been very impressed,” commented NFL analyst Mike Mayock. The new offensives in the NFL play perfectly to the strengths of McCluster. In an era that is all about getting personnel mismatches and your best athletes in space, McCluster is a coach’s dream.

While most scouts will question his size - he is only 5’7 and 165 lbs - his athletic abilities and pure explosiveness will warrant him strong consideration for all teams. He will be best used as a versatility player, being used in a lot of positions and formations. His great hands and concentration, as well as superb quickness off the line of scrimmage, make him an ideal fit in the slot position - think Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker. He can also play almost a “scat” back type of role out of the running back position, like Chargers running back Darren Sproles, who is used to not only running the ball but catching screen passes and other quick passes out of the backfield.

Despite all the potential uses a team can find for McCluster, he will still have to answer questions about his durability to hold up in the ultra-physical NFL. “I got a heart as big as the stadium, that’s what makes me great,” McCluster explained. “I’m not scared of nothing or nobody.”

Height: 5'8”

Weight: 165 lbs.

Comparable at the next level: Darren Sproles, San Diego Chargers

Projected draft spot: 47th overall, Houston Texans