Defensive lineman Henry McClendon laughs with other players during a water break at Cleveland High School on Tuesday. Cleveland’s football game against Bradley Central High School will be televised by ESPN on Friday.Cleveland High School defensive lineman Henry McClendon doesn’t mind all the attention being given his half-brother Tim recently. On Friday nights, many people are paying plenty of attention to Henry.
For the past three seasons, alternating between end and tackle, the 6-foot-3, 245-pounder has terrorized opponents’ offenses with 152 tackles, including 38 for loss and 16 sacks. He was voted to the Class 5A all-state team as a junior and was listed preseason all-state this season.
So while his brother’s eligibility at Signal Mountain has come into question, the Blue Raiders’ McClendon has stayed focused on keeping his team focused.
“I’ve had a pretty good season, but it could have been better,” McClendon said. “I’ve been learning a new position and have been dealing with a new technique, but I feel I’m coachable and able to do pretty much any position.”
He played defensive end more as a sophomore, but a change in coordinator Brad Benefield’s scheme moved McClendon inside more.