Goose Creek's vastly improved McCloud keys Gators' defense

So much for first impressions.

When Goose Creek football coach Chuck Reedy first saw defensive back L.C. McCloud on the football field, he was a little underwhelmed to say the least.

"He was unathletic, uncoordinated and I never had any idea that he would be much of a football player," Reedy said. "He was a sophomore and couldn't even start on the jayvee team. He showed a little improvement by the end of his sophomore season, and the coaches told me L.C. might be a starter on the varsity one day. I told them if L.C. ever started a game for us, that would mean we weren't a very good football team."

That was then, and now the Gators are playing for their first trip to the Division II-AAAA state championship game today when they host the Berkeley Stags at 7:30 p.m. at Bonner Stadium. McCloud has had a big role in the Gators' success this fall. He's recorded 82 tackles from his free safety position, while breaking up 16 passes and intercepting another two.

"He's the key to our defense," Reedy said. "He's the best defensive back we've had in the eight years I've been here. He's the man who comes up with the big plays."

McCloud never gave up. He never quit working and dreaming.

He was 5-10 and weighed 135 pounds his sophomore year. He bench pressed 110 pounds and ran the 40-yard dash in 5.2 seconds.

Today, he's 6-2 and weighs 180 pounds. He benches 230 pounds and dropped his time in the 40 to 4.55 seconds.

"He worked hard and continues to work hard," Reedy said. "He committed himself to the weight room, ran track to improve his speed. If our weight room is open, he's in there working to get better."

The Gators are enjoying the best football year in school history with a record 10 victories and two playoff wins. The success meant the Gators had to practice on Thanksgiving. McCloud was more than happy to get some work in for the showdown.

"We didn't have school Wednesday or on Thanksgiving, and that's when I like to practice most," McCloud said. "That lets everyone focus and get their minds sharp."

McCloud played cornerback last year, but moved to free safety this year. He loves the challenge of being the last line of defense.

"You see everything from back there, but you look at nothing," McCloud said. "You have to have your head on a swivel. You have to be ready because you are the last line of defense. You are the only thing between an opponent and the end zone."

That first impression has changed into a lasting impression.

Reedy has faith in his star player, and noted high school players are still developing compared to college players.

"It's dramatic how much a high school player can change in one year," Reedy said. "L.C. is proof of that. He's a late developer who has turned into a very good athlete."

Reach Phil Bowman at pbowman@postandcourier.com