McClain hoping for offers

The Bulldogs of Canton (Ohio) McKinley will feature one of the state's most athletic defenses. Defensive endSteve Miller is one of Ohio's top 2011 prospects, and Jewone Snow has a long list of offers as a run stuffing linebacker.

Teammates looking to get offers will benefit from the attention paid to Miller and Snow. Safety Jamon McClain is hoping college coaches notice his talents.

"I don't have any offers yet," McClain said. "I have just been getting a lot of letters from programs like Pittsburgh, Ohio and Marshall."

"Most of our defense is coming back," McClain said. "Eight starters in all including Snow and Miller. We are looking to bounce back from last year. We are trying to get McKinley back to where it used to be."

In 2007, Canton McKinley finished 3-7- a rare losing season for a proud program. Last year, they finished 6-5, and 6-1in the tough Federal League. McClain hopes a great season for McKinley will lead to more opportunities to impress college coaches.

"I just have to keep working hard, trying to make more plays than I did last year- more interceptions, and make more tackles. I need to cause more turnovers. I also need to be a leader, and help the younger guys on our team get better."

The 5-11 prospect is clearly a good athlete with good bloodlines. Jamon is also a star on the basketball court, playing for varsity since his freshman year, and winning the team MVP as a sophomore. His dad, Carlos, played for McKinley's 1981 state championship team before continuing his career at Jackson State.

"I have been playing varsity basketball player since my frosh year," Jamon said. "I don't know if I will play my senior year. If I get the football offer I want then I probably won't play. I would just try to get ready for college football."

As for favorites, McClain said he has his sights set on the Big East or the Big Ten.

"Pitt has been sending me a lot of things that catch my eye- Pitt in the Big East or Purdue on the Big Ten. I want to go to the biggest level and play against a high level of competition. I would take one of those offers if they came. After that, Ohio University has talked to me a lot about offering. They are waiting on some other guys. I think that is the same with Purdue and Pitt. Most schools want to see my first two games."

McKinley opens the 2009 season at home against Cleveland East Tech. Their week matchup is at home against Huber Heights Wayne- an opponent featuring Michigan commits Terry and Terrance Talbott, and 2011 super-stud quarterback Braxton Miller.