Q&A With Ray-Ray McCloud

Note: The following appears in the Florida State gameday football program. To purchase a copy of the program while supplies last, send a check for $7 to Clemson Athletic Communications; P.O. Box 31; Clemson, SC 29633 with your return address.

Q. You are diverse in your football talents, playing at a high level on offense, defense and special teams. Where does that well-rounded skillset come from?A. Growing up, all I did was play, and my position didn’t matter. Football is football…that’s always been my mindset. It may change at each level, but if you play, your passion should always be the same.

Q. What about Clemson appealed to you?A. When I visited, I liked how close the players were and how focused and committed they were.

Q. You and Deon Cain have been friends since childhood. What has it been like playing with him?A. It’s been cool. It wasn’t planned, but we both ended up committing. It’s been great to play alongside someone I won Little League titles with as a kid.

Q. What is the mindset for you and your teammates?A. We’ve aimed to be unique and prove the naysayers wrong. Despite losing a lot of talent to the NFL, we still have great players.

Q. What has been your favorite moment as a Tiger?A. My first game was great. I had eight catches for 80 yards, and I realized that I had made it.

Q. How has the Tiger coaching staff impacted you off the field?A. They’ve helped me to keep my head up, especially when I’ve dealt with injuries. They show love to their players all the time.

Q. What has playing for Dabo Swinney been like?A. It’s been great. Coach Swinney is a perfectionist, and if he notices something wrong, he keeps pressing it until it’s fixed. He’s really pushed me for as long as I’ve been here, and it’s been a blessing to have him as a coach.

Q. Who are your biggest inspirations in life?A. My parents are my biggest inspirations. My dad played football at Arkansas, and he has always pushed me in sports and in life. My mom is my best friend. She’s my ace, and I can talk to her about everything.

Q. What is your favorite aspect of playing football?A. Blocking is my favorite part. It’s not always fun, but blocking another player against his will is pretty exciting and can make a major impact on the game.

Q. What is your ultimate goal through football?A. I want to follow through on what my dad built. My dad coached me when I was growing up, and he’s the main reason I developed a passion for the game.

FAVORITESActor – Nick CannonAspect of Clemson football – P.A.W. JourneyAthlete – Walter PaytonClass – Statistical Methods IClemson football tradition – Tiger WalkDrill – Punt returnFood – PizzaHobbies – Drawing, writingMusical artist – DrakeNFL wide receiver – Antonio BrownSport other than football – Baseball