Cracking the Valley lineup can be challenging. The Tigers are one of the state’s top programs, reaching the Class 5A state semifinals again in 2025. During the run, McClinton was credited with 8.0 tackles, for of which were solo stops. He had a half tackle for loss. The program will be replacing plenty of talent lost to graduation, and McClinton has the looks of a guy who could break out as a senior when we view video from his sophomore and junior years. The first clip shows him quickly diagnosing what’s coming his way as a middle linebacker before flying to the ball for a tackle. He then impressively covers a kick. McClinton flashes strong coverage skills and the ability to read and react when intercepting a pass on the third clip. It’s a well-rounded skill set that could work at a traditional linebacker spot or as a safety hybrid.

Cracking the Valley lineup can be challenging. The Tigers are one of the state’s top programs, reaching the Class 5A state semifinals again in 2025. During the run, McClinton was credited with 8.0 tackles, for of which were solo stops. He had a half tackle for loss. The program will be replacing plenty of talent lost to graduation, and McClinton has the looks of a guy who could break out as a senior when we view video from his sophomore and junior years. The first clip shows him quickly diagnosing what’s coming his way as a middle linebacker before flying to the ball for a tackle. He then impressively covers a kick. McClinton flashes strong coverage skills and the ability to read and react when intercepting a pass on the third clip. It’s a well-rounded skill set that could work at a traditional linebacker spot or as a safety hybrid.