DELRAY BEACH – One phone call can change a life forever. 

In one week, 259 men will hear their names get called by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. One of these prospects is Jarques McClellion, who is a defensive back from Florida State University.

McClellion is a local Palm Beach County alum, where he attended American Heritage Delray, graduating in 2017. 

During his eighth-grade season, McClellion was a member of the Stallions 2011 FHSAA 3A state championship team. He was also a key player on American Heritage’s 2014 and 2015 FHSAA 3A State runner up teams.

At the end of his sophomore year, McClellion verbally committed to Michigan State. Going into his junior season, he promised himself that he would be as elite in the classroom as he was on the field.

McClellion said that throughout his junior season, he became a “student of the game” as he was obsessed with watching film and preparing for every game. His true leadership and dedication showed as underclassmen followed his example and also became obsessed with the extra work. 

All of this hard work and dedication paid off. During his junior and senior seasons, McClellion recorded:

•91 tackles

•25+ pass breakups

•8 interceptions

•4 receiving touchdowns 

McClellion was named First-Team All-County by the South Florida Sun-Sentinel in 2015 and 2016. His performances in his last two years of high school earned him a three-star rating from Rivals.com, as well as multiple new Division I offers, including the University of Florida, Louisville, Iowa State, West Virginia and Arkansas.

During his senior year at American Heritage, McClellion flipped his commitment from Michigan State to Arkansas. The biggest reason for flipping his commitment was his childhood goal to play in the SEC. 

“DB’s in the SEC truly get to shine,” McClellion said. “They play against the best competition every week. I felt like going to Arkansas, it was going to craft me into the player I knew I could be”. 

Another major reason that McClellion had when he committed to Arkansas was that he wanted a change in environment. 

“Being from South Florida, I’m a city boy,” McClellion said. “I did not want to go to a school that’s in a city atmosphere like it is down south. I actually wanted to go somewhere in a country atmosphere where it’s quiet, it’s nice, and where I can focus on my craft and make sure I could get my degree.”

During his first two seasons as a Razorback, McClellion recorded:

•59 total tackles

•12 pass deflections

•1 interception

Before the 2021 school year, McClellion announced that he would be transferring from Arkansas to Florida State. He cites that the only reason he transferred was so he could be close to his family during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Arkansas was like a second home to me,” McClellion said. “From day one, the Razorback fans showed me nothing but love. I had family issues going on. I needed to come home and be closer to my family.”

While at Florida State, Mcclellion switched from cornerback to safety, where he recorded:

•41 total tackles 

•3 pass deflections

Jarques’ best game as a Seminole came in 2021. During their Week 10 matchup against Boston College, McClellion recorded a career-high eight tackles during this game.

Florida State has recently produced multiple elite NFL defensive backs, including Jalen Ramsey (Miami Dolphins), Derwin James (Los Angeles Chargers), and Asante Samuel Jr. (Los Angeles Chargers). McClellion said he has studied their playing styles and has added their mannerisms into his own game.

“What makes them stand out in their game is the cockiness and the swagger they have,” McClellion said. “They never back down from a challenge. It’s what I try to do in my game too. I don’t care who you are, you could be the best receiver, I feel like I can lock you down. It will always be a competition between us.” 

When he is not focused on football, Jarques enjoys writing poetry and listening to music. 

Going into his sophomore year at American Heritage, McClellion’s aunt passed away. One of the ways he was able to mourn her passing and recover was by learning to write poetry.

“I felt like writing poetry was one of the best ways I found out how to open up and express myself and express how I feel,” McClellion said. “After I write, all I feel after is peace. When I write on that paper everything I write is out and released.”

Jarques McClellion plans to spend the 2023 NFL Draft at home, celebrating this life-changing moment with his loved ones. 

All of us at New Era Prep are very excited to see which team will send him the call.