Clemson's interested in Sleeper McQueen

JACOB MCQUEEN, Guard/Center, Rock Hill South Pointe

Until recently, Jacob McQueen’s college football future appeared limited to smaller schools in the area. Programs like The Citadel, Charleston Southern, Wofford, Presbyterian and Gardner Webb were working him hard, all the while hoping the big boys wouldn’t notice.

At least one of the big guys, though, has awakened. McQueen attended Clemson’s camp at the beginning of the week, and Wednesday, Tigers associate head coach Brad Scott walked over after the session and talked to Jacob’s father, Daniel.

“He has had a great week at Clemson’s camp. (Scott said) they are definitely interested in Jacob. He says they have a file on him and really love his heart and work ethic. They are looking at him as a center.”

While the smaller schools continue to work Jacob hard, South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee are also beginning to establish contact.

As a junior, the 6-foot-4, 254-pound McQueen started every game for the Stallions at guard, as the team won the S.C. 4-A Division II state title. He was named to the Rock Hill Herald’s All-Area team. He could play some center as well in the fall.

“He’s got the capability to play guard or center in college,” said South Pointe coach Bobby Carroll. “He’s worked extremely hard in the off-season, putting on weight and making himself better. And he’s already qualified academically.”

McQueen runs a 5.2-second 40-yard dash and a 4.69 pro shuttle, which tests agility. He also has a 28-inch vertical jump and can bench-press 295 pounds.

And while Clemson may be the first BCS school to wake up to this sleeper, expect more to follow.

--Stan Olson