Ray Ray McCloud’s time with Clemson football was filled with promise, possibilities and the tease of something more to come, potential as it were.
It seemed like every moment of success was met with a dropped pass, fumbled punt or some other unfortunate occurrence. Missed opportunities.
McCloud had his moments for sure. A punt return against N.C. State and a bomb from Kelly Bryant at Louisville are two that standout.
But the five star talent left Clemson after three seasons with only 1,332 yards from scrimmage in three seasons, never eclipsing more than 533 in a season, despite having 49 catches for consecutive seasons as a sophomore and junior.
At Clemson McCloud never quite seemed to live up to his potential, despite being a solid contributor to a National Champion level team.
McCloud declared for the NFL after his junior season in 2017 and was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the 6th round (187 overall).
After a season in Buffalo and a cup of coffee with the Panthers in 2019, McCloud latched on with the Steelers and totaled 59 receptions over the last two years while making his mark as a kick and punt returner.
Earlier this year, McCloud signed a 2 year, $4,000,000 contract with the San Francisco 49ers, which included a $1,750,000 signing bonus, $2,785,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $2,000,000.
Clemson football alumni Ray Ray McCloud signed a two year contract in the offseason with the San Francisco 49ers and began paying dividends on Saturday
For this season, McCloud will earn a base salary of $1,035,000 and a signing bonus of $1,750,000.
If Saturday’s exhibition opener is any indication, it’ll be money well spent for the 49ers.
Great way to start a quarter, @RMIII_34!
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) August 13, 2022
📺 #GBvsSF on KPIX pic.twitter.com/MGKGz3nenK
McCloud finished the first preseason game of 2022 with 4 catches on 4 targets for 63 yards and the above 39 yard touchdown.
One preseason game doesn’t mean a ton in the big scheme of things, but once again there is hope and promise in McCloud’s game and perhaps a different scene will help the 25 year old McCloud finally reach his potential with his fourth NFL team.
It’s said that NFL stands for Not For Long and it appears the time is now for McCloud to make his mark on “The League” and the opportunity of lifetime could come to fruition in San Francisco.