Note: The following appears in the Miami (Fla.) football digital gameday guide, available HERE.
When fifth-year linebacker Kobe McCloud looks back on his Clemson experience, he sees it as much more than what happened on the field and all the games he won. For McCloud, Clemson football has changed not only the athlete he is, but the man he is becoming.
McCloud's interest in football began with his father and two brothers. His father, Ray-Ray McCloud Jr., coached football, and his older brother, Ray-Ray McCloud III, played for the Tigers as a wide receiver and was part of the 2016 national championship team.
Throughout his childhood, McCloud’s everyday life was “waking up football, going to sleep football,” and he was “always around the college football atmosphere,” so it’s natural that McCloud not only chose to pursue football at the college level, but also chose Clemson as his college home.
When asked to describe his initial impression of Clemson, McCloud said, “it’s so welcoming here,” and that the program is “like a family.” He especially appreciates that, as a football player at Clemson University, his experience is “more than football.”
“They want to see you win as a man. Coach (Dabo) Swinney cares about the 30-year-old version of us and he wants us to win even after football, like in life. You may not get that at a lot of places. He wants to build great husbands and fathers.”
For McCloud, his time at Clemson has been “bigger” than winning games. Clemson’s football program has helped him “grow as a person, as a man,” and that at Clemson, “you’re gonna really learn about yourself.”
“Coming to Clemson, everyone wants to be a great football player. That's always something you want to check off. But when you get here and when you leave, it's like Clemson set me up great for life. They equipped me with all the tools I need to be whatever I want to be. If you want to be a CEO of a business, a great father, a great husband or run a company one day, Clemson equips you with all the tools you need to be successful after football.”
McCloud entered his fifth season with 28 career games, totaling 45 career tackles, one caused fumble, one sack and five pass breakups. In the season opener at LSU, he recorded six tackles.
When reflecting on the games he has played with the Tigers, the 2022 NC State game, when ESPN College GameDay was on location, stands out as his favorite.
“That was my first College GameDay at Clemson. It was crazy. The ‘Valley’ was on fire that night and it was amazing to see.”
This season, McCloud’s mindset can be best defined as “tunnel vision.” The linebacker’s focus is clear.
“I’m blocking everything out and focusing on everything that's in front of me. I’m not letting anything get me off task of what I'm doing, no matter the circumstances. I’m focusing on knowing myself, and most importantly, the team. I bring them my all every day, and that helps the team.”
One of the biggest lessons McCloud has learned during his time at Clemson is how to handle adversity.
“Being able to recover and bounce back quick is something that I learned at Clemson. Something is always going to happen in life, but being able to recover and bounce back and learn from what happened is a big thing.”
When considering the years he has spent at Clemson University, McCloud is struck by the difference between his freshman and senior-year self.
“I'm so much more mature. I see life through a different lens. I'm more open. I was more to myself as a freshman, with only a few people in my circle I talked to. But now, I try to expand my mind and spirit. I’m a totally different person.”
One of the most significant changes in his life since starting at Clemson is the birth of his daughter, Havyn. A smile spreads across his face as he reflected on his transition into fatherhood and his adoration for his nine-month-old.
McCloud earned his bachelor's degree in sports communication in December and is currently working towards his master’s degree in athletic leadership.
Professionally, he is drawn to both coaching and broadcasting.
“I’ve always wanted to be one of those guys who is an analyst before a big game. I still have that dream after football.”
Regarding his aspiration in coaching, McCloud sees himself as a coach who could get players to buy in.
“I believe I would be really good at that, especially with being in athletic leadership. I’ve learned a lot here from my coaches on how to be a great coach, and I can take what they taught me and apply that to the kids I’m coaching in the future.”
After his time spent at Clemson University, Y Beach stands out as his favorite spot near campus.
“I went there by myself before fall camp. It’s very calm and a place where I can go and think.”
Outside of football, McCloud is especially passionate about fashion and is currently trying to get into cooking. And of course, video games and a little TV never fail to offer some relaxation outside his heavy academic and athletic schedule.
When looking to his future, McCloud is excited for what is next.
“I plan to apply everything I’ve learned here in college to my future and how it’s gonna help me set up a great future for myself and my family. I want to build a great legacy.
“I also want to expand my horizons, potentially starting a new venture into fashion entrepreneurship and real estate. The sky is the limit, so why not?”