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Redskins: Stefan McClure has no reputation, but he doesn’t need it

By Ian Cummings

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 23: Washington Redskins helmets on the sideline during their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on November 23, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 23: Washington Redskins helmets on the sideline during their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on November 23, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 27: California Golden Bears players run onto the field before the College Football Sydney Cup match between University of California and University of Hawaii at ANZ Stadium on August 27, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 27: California Golden Bears players run onto the field before the College Football Sydney Cup match between University of California and University of Hawaii at ANZ Stadium on August 27, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images) /

Stefan McClure’s path to the Redskins began in Vista, California, where the defensive back, then just 173 pounds, made a name for himself in small scouting circles.

It was often that McClure browsed his options during his senior season in high school, and his options weren’t nearly as plentiful. A three-star prospect, McClure’s top five schools consisted of California, Boise State, Colorado, Oregon State, and UCLA. From the near southernmost point of California, McClure chose to stay in the golden state, signing with California at the end of the recruiting process.

McClure’s career at California might not be a storied one, but he left a lot to live up to for future recruits. McClure was a leader on and off the field, and although almost half of his collegiate career was lost to injury (24 of 49 possible games), McClure was always there for his team mates. McClure was a three-year captain at California, becoming the only player in school history to hold that distinction.

McClure brought a contagious mentality to the Bears, not feeling entitled to results because of his embattled football past. McClure was a man of the process, always working to perfect his craft, rather than resting on his laurels. His way of approaching not only the game, but also life, is a special thing. In an older article by Riley McAtee of the Daily Californian, a California University Athletics administrator voice those same sentiments.

"He gets it. He has a sense of perspective, purpose, maturity — everyone that interacts with him comes away with a very positive feeling about Stefan McClure, and it’s not by accident."

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McClure’s time at California wasn’t groundbreaking, in terms of stats. The five-year athlete mustered 166 total tackles, ten pass deflections, and 2 interceptions. He garnered all-conference honors just once, and it was only honorable mention. But nevertheless, McClure’s time isn’t defined by stats, or honors, or awards. It’s defined by his character. His mentality. And his story.

To see a first-hand sample of McClure’s thought process, look no further than a quote from McClure’s very first game at California. McClure, then a true freshman, was set up with the troublesome task of covering USC’s Robert Woods. We know him now as one of the weapons on the Los Angeles Rams’ receiving core. But back then, he was known as one of the best wideouts in the PAC-12. Normally, a true freshman would shrivel up at the notion of playing an All-American wideout in their first game. But McClure was no ordinary true freshman.

“You can’t play his reputation,” McClure said, per that same article. “You just have to be ready.”

McClure was ready for Woods that day. And when his time comes in the NFL, he won’t worry about the reputation of the man across to him. He’ll be ready then, too. He’s a professional now. It’s a level playing field. It took time for McClure to latch on. He spent most of last year with the Indianapolis Colts, only to be released following the season. He had a workout with the Lions earlier this offseason. No signing culminated out of that.

And then he came to Washington. It was August. The other players had a reputation to the coaching staff that put McClure at a disadvantage.

But now, after the deadline, McClure is on the Redskins roster. And his competition is not. Why? Because McClure didn’t worry about the reputation of others. He focused on making a reputation of his own.

Next: Redskins 53-man roster: Instant Analysis, reactions, and more

For now, McClure is an unknown. But McClure doesn’t worry about reputations. He’ll simply be prepared for the next challenge his time with the Redskins brings him. McClure is on the roster because he brought something the others didn’t. That’s a reputation he can cherish.

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