Big 12 leader for Louisiana receiver
Covington (La.) St. Paul three-star receiver Jalen McCleskey is known for his speed and work ethic, and it has paid off with attention from college coaches near and far.
As the 2014 season approaches, McCleskey has made no secret the Oklahoma State Cowboys are at the top of his list, and there are several reasons why.
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"I think the coaching staff, the strength coach, and the fact Oklahoma State has recruited him like they wanted him," Jalen's father J.J. McCleskey said.
Jalen and J.J. McCleskey were both in Stillwater earlier this summer for Oklahoma State's camp, and liked what they saw.
"The camp he had at Oklahoma State, they had him in the front," J.J. McCleskey said. "For every rep everyone else was going he was getting two reps. They worked him hard and he had a great opportunity to learn how coach Dunn coaches and coach Dunn does a great job with those receivers."
There has been talk of a decision, but there are a few things which need to happen before that occurs. One big thing is getting Jalen's mother to Stillwater, so she can see the environment for herself. They hope to make that happen early in the season, but they do not have a date set for the visit.
The McCleskey's are planning to attend Oklahoma State's contest with Florida State in Dallas, and will visit Stillwater as the Cowboys host the Texas Longhorns in November. It also appears as though McCleskey will take an official visit to Stillwater after the season.
The Cowboys may have the edge but they are not the only team involved.
"I would say Southern Miss and Tulane would be two other schools," J.J. McCleskey said. "He has a great relationship with the Tulane receivers coach, Keith Williams. He has a tremendous relationship with him."
Southern Miss coaches have also made a strong impression. Head coach Todd Monken has taken a personal interest and has established a strong bond with the standout receiver.
Visits to both Tulane and Southern Miss are in the works.
"We are definitely going to those games. We just haven't had anything scheduled," J.J. McCleskey said. "I know in the next couple of weeks, we have one scheduled before the season. We're going to go down and watch practice at Southern Miss."
LSU has also shown interest and receivers coach Adam Henry has been in contact.
Jalen McCleskey is currently ranked No. 83 among the nation's wide receivers and No. 36 in the Rivals.com Louisiana Preseason Top 50. As a junior, McCleskey recorded 43 receptions for 656 yards and 6 touchdowns.