SI All-American Candidate Malik McClain Highlights and Evaluation

Malik McClain is a wide receiver prospect from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. McClain is an SI All-American candidate.

Prospect: WR Malik McClain

Projected Position: Wide Receiver

Status: SI All-American Candidate 

Vitals: 6-foot-4, 195 pounds 

School: Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy 

Committed to: Florida State

Frame: Tall, with budding lean muscle. Above-average width across shoulders and chest. Taut waist. Long, sinewy arms. Tightly-wound thighs and calves. Ample room for additional mass. 

Athleticism: Eats up field when sprinting. Lacks burst, but very good long speed; boasts of 4.50 40-yard dash or better. Adequate quickness and agility. Easy leaper, with natural aerial body control. Powerful, with burgeoning strength. 

Instincts: Imminent jump-ball and vertical threat. Hands catcher who plucks throws arriving outside body. Dangerous after catch due to speed, contact balance, but lacks wiggle. Effective and aggressive blocker in run game. 

Polish: Slow release at LOS. Wastes too much motion when breaking off routes, especially on stops, comebacks. Needs to add nuance as route-runner. 

Bottom Line: McClain possesses one of the most imposing frames among 2021 wideouts, and runs like a player far smaller. Needs to increase quick-twitch explosion and route-running ability. High ceiling and low floor. Projects as early contributor for Power-5 program, with impact starter and NFL potential.