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Redshirt Review: Warren McClendon

During Kirby Smart's signing day press conference, a little under two weeks ago, questions from reporters ran the gamut. There inevitably were queries on the stacked offensive line class that once again had been gathered.

Smart was certainly excited about the haul. Nonetheless, he warned his audience not to expect too much from the newcomers—at least not right away.

With three starters gone from last fall, there’s obviously going to be plenty of opportunity for a newcomer to make a big impact, perhaps even earn a starting role.

However, instead of focusing on freshmen who have yet even to arrive on campus, Smart advised his listeners to keep an eye on the ones who are here.

Redshirt freshman Warren McClendon qualifies.

Along with fellow redshirt Xavier Truss, McClendon and a host of other non-starting returnees are the players who will be afforded the first shots at replacing the likes of Andrew Thomas, Isaiah Wilson, and Solomon Kindley.

As we continue to our Redshirt Review series, let’s turn our attention to the former Brunswick High star.

ALSO SEE: Redshirt Review: Xavier Truss; Redshirt Review: Julian Rochester

Warren McClendon will get a long look on the offensive line this spring.
Warren McClendon will get a long look on the offensive line this spring. (Radi Nabulsi)
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Warren McClendon

Hometown: Brunswick

Height: 6-4

Weight: 320

Rivals Ranking: Ranked No. 167 in the final Rivals250 of 2019. He was also ranked as the nation’s 20th-best offensive tackle.

HOW THE SEASON WENT

Barring injuries to other players, McClendon entered his freshman season knowing he was going to redshirt. Thanks to the NCAA’s new redshirt rule, he was still able to get in four games.

McClendon saw action against Murray State, Missouri, Georgia Tech, and Baylor, taking a season-high 10 reps in the opener against the Racers.

He has the ability to play inside, but McClendon was seen taking most of his practice reps at right tackle, behind Isaiah Wilson, after coming in as an early enrollee prior to last spring.

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT YEAR

Based on what we’re hearing, look for McClendon to get looks at a variety of offensive line positions for the Bulldogs this spring.

Right tackle, of course, will be one. But at this juncture, it appears that junior Jamaree Salyer is the favorite to win the starting job on that side.

McClendon still figures to play a key role.

Not only has McClendon’s strength improved, but his footwork and improved technique has won him favor with new position coach Matt Luke. He's also expected to get looks at left tackle as a possible replacement for Thomas. He could potentially cross-train at one of the two guard positions.

Whether or not the former four-star winds up with a starting role remains to be seen. But either way, McClendon’s name is one we expect to be mentioning quite a bit this spring.

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