(Sophomore RB Chico McClatcher one of the best in the Northwest) |
He received solid playing time as a freshman this past season, but we’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what Federal Way RB/CB Chico McClatcher can do on the football field. This past weekend, the talented sophomore to be took in the Northwest Stars camp at the University of Washington and showed those in attendance what he can do.
"I started off on the freshman team, but as the season went along, they moved me up to varsity," McClatcher told Northwest Elite Index. "It was cool, but I wanted to move up right away, we had some really good backs who were older guys, so I just had to work hard and wait my turn and I got some reps as the season went on."
On offense, McClatcher had 350 yards rushing and three touchdowns while posting 20 tackles on the defensive side of the ball.
"I like them both, but if I had to choose, it would be running back," McClatcher admitted. "I love to have the ball in my hands and I just love making plays for my team. I can do that on defense, but I feel a lot more comfortable on offense."
While McClatcher isn’t big, measuring in at just under 5’7" and weighing in at 165 pounds, he has outstanding speed (4.45) and his elusiveness is top-notch. This summer he’s hit the camp circuit hoping to work on his overall skills so he can be ready for a large portion of the workload in what is proving to be another loaded Eagles squad.
"Coming out here to the (Northwest Stars) camp and I was also at Washington’s Rising Stars camp too, they just have so many talented guys, juniors and seniors, guys older than me, that it really pushed me to improve and get better with every rep," McClatcher noted. "It’s not a camp where you can take a rep off or stop working. You have to bring it every time or you’d look silly."
On the recruiting front, because it is so early in the process, McClatcher is just now starting to hear from schools, but that could change with a big sophomore season this fall.
"I’ve been hearing from Purdue, Nebraska and Boise State and I got a letter from UCLA," McClatcher noted. "I know it’s still early. My goal is to work my way up to start this fall and hopefully that will get me some more notice, but with Ezekiel McNeal ahead of me, I have my work cut out for me."
McClatcher’s size, speed and quickness, make him a really good candidate to keep an eye on as he gains strength and experience. He’s special in the open field and when he gets the ball in his hands he has the chance to take it the distance. This year will be huge for a prospect like him and he could see recruiting really start to heat up after the season is complete.
