The Redskins, along with the rest of the NFL, released their final 53-man roster yesterday afternoon.
There were a few surprises, such as the release of quarterback Nate Sudfeld, or the retainment of UFA guard Tyler Catalina. Both seventh-round picks this year made the roster as well. But perhaps the biggest surprise of all was the retainment of a lesser known player. A safety named Stefan McClure.
McClure’s retainment wasn’t for no reason. The former California Golden Bear played his heart out in preseason, dominating in all aspects of his play. But because the Redskins kept him, more questions arise. What did players like Kyle Kalis, Fish Smithson, and Nico Marley fail to do in order to beat McClure for a roster spot?
The question should really be this: Who is McClure, and why was he the best candidate for the final roster spot?
The answer stems back a ways. It can’t be found entirely in this offseason. McClure faced an uphill battle this August, but that’s nothing new. The defensive back has always taken the long way to success throughout his football career. 2017 was nothing new. It was just business as usual for McClure.
He may be an unknown now, but there’s more to this story, and it needs to be heard. McClure has potential in the NFL. All he needed was an opportunity. The Redskins gave him just that, and in the process, they not only got a talented football player, but an even better character. And now that McClure’s story has taken him here, it’s time his story is heard. Turn the page, and get comfortable. This is Stefan McClure’s story.
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."
More from Riggo's Rag
- Highlighting the best Commanders 2023 NFL Draft betting props
- 3 late Commanders rumors drawing buzz ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft
- 4 bold predictions for the Commanders 2023 NFL Draft
- Commanders News: Chase Young trade, draft day, CB riser and Sam Howell
- Bet365 VA Bonus Code – Claim $200 Guaranteed With Sign-Up Bonus
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.