Makai McClendon shows a variety of moves in his pass-rush arsenal. He can beat defenders with his chop move, hand-to-hand combat, and speed. He can line up as a stand-up end or with his hand in the dirt, and he’s shown the ability to beat blockers both inside and outside. McClendon recently picked up his first Division I offer from Liberty University. I expect him to have an active 2027 season that will help propel his recruitment even further.

McClendon registered at least one sack that I saw and helped seal the edge on run defense. He also hurried the quarterback a couple of times, forcing him to throw incompletions.

McClendon Emerging as Defensive Force for the Eagles

Sophomore standout McClendon proved to be relentless in his pursuit of the quarterback this season, consistently disrupting opposing offenses with his speed and intensity off the edge. Equally impressive was his discipline in setting the edge, often neutralizing read-option plays and limiting the effectiveness of quarterback rollouts.

McClendon put together a veteran-caliber campaign, finishing the season with 5 sacks, 7 tackles for loss, and 43 total tackles—strong numbers for a second-year player. At 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, he has good size and physicality to compete at a high level, and his ceiling continues to rise.

With another offseason of development, McClendon could be a major factor for the Eagles next season, and one of the key names to watch on a rising defensive unit.

Sacks

McClendon ranks second in the MIAA A sack category, finishing the season with 5 sacks. In addition, he posted 7 tackles for loss and 43 total tackles. A lengthy athlete, McClendon flashes impressive explosiveness off the edge. In the run game, he excels at maintaining containment and pursuing plays across the field, even when they move in the opposite direction. With his upside and the growing attention on the McDonough front seven, McClendon is sure to attract interest from college coaches.