Former Bearcats WR Anthony McClung Talks About Signing With The Houston Texans
By Chris Bains
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The Cincinnati Bearcats are sending seven players to NFL camps as undrafted free agents. Among them will be wide receiver Anthony McClung, a client of Worldwide Career Management (@WCMconnect), who signed with the Houston Texans immediately following the NFL Draft. You can check out his WCM profile here.
The UC wide out has been a key cog in the Bearcats’ offense over the last few years. McClung paced the team in receiving yards in 2013 and 2011. The 939 yards he caught last season were the most since Armon Binns during his senior year all the way back in 2010. No Cincinnati receiver has caught more passes for more yards or more touchdowns over the last four seasons than McClung. While he did most of his damage in the slot working against opposing nickelbacks, he was adept at working all areas of the field. McClung was equally skilled turning a drag route into a long gain as he was running a deep post.
That versatility and his years of experience will surely serve him well in the Texans’ camp. Soon after signing with Houston, McClung spoke about fulfilling every college football player’s dream and getting a chance to play in the NFL.
"“I was excited upon hearing the news,” said McClung on being a Texan. “It’s a great opportunity to showcase my talent, and something I’m very grateful and thankful for. I’m just ready to get out there and play football again!”"
Additionally, the former Cincinnati wide receiver’s agent James Peterson had nothing but encouraging remarks for McClung joining Houston.
"“This is a great situation for Anthony to be in, to get immersed in a new coaching staff,” said Peterson. “The Texans are building up a whole new offense, and since they didn’t draft any wide receivers this year, it gives Anthony an opportunity to have a successful career with them.”"
Boy is he ever right.
As Peterson mentions, Houston is completely overhauling their offense. Head coach Gary Kubiak is gone along with quarterback Matt Schaub. The Texans will likely hand the keys of their offense over to Ryan Fitzpatrick and continue to shift the focus to runningback Arian Foster. But Houston will need to open up the offense to ensure defenses don’t stack the box. This challenge is made more difficult with an aging Andre Johnson garnering double coverage on the outside. McClung is exactly the player to provide relief. His ability to find the soft spots in the middle of the field and move the chains will help take pressure off of Houston’s running game.
All McClung has to do is prove that in a NFL camp. Hopefully he catches the attention of new Texans head coach Bill O’Brien and is able to move his way way up Houston’s depth chart. Cincy on the Prowl will keep an eye on McClung’s progress, as well as that of Cincinnati’s other signed free agents, over the coming months leading up to the 2014 NFL season.