Spring Tour Stop 4: Valdosta LB McClain eager to gauge FSU's interest

Several college recruiters will make their way to Valdosta, Ga., on Thursday for the start of spring practice, and one of the main attractions will be Rivals100 linebacker Zakoby McClain. The Valdosta High standout has offers from numerous SEC and ACC schools, as well as other powers from around the country.

FSU defensive coordinator Charles Kelly is one of those coaches expected to be in attendance, and that could go a long way in showing McClain how much of a priority he is to the Seminoles.

"I'm very interested in FSU, but I'm curious to see how much they want me," McClain told Warchant. "That's a school I would be very high on because I grew up a fan of them and my dad is a really big fan of the 'Noles. So, I just want to see where I stand with them."

McClain, who Rivals lists as the nation's No. 4 outside linebacker, will be sporting a slightly different look when the colleges come check him out. After playing at around 185 pounds last season, the 6-foot linebacker says he now weighs about 205.

"I've seen the difference with my weight when I move around or even how physical I can be, and I feel the power when I hit someone," McClain said. "It gives me a lot more confidence in several areas of my game, and my speed is still there. Right now as a team we have been doing conditioning stuff and lifting every other day. Spring ball starts on Thursday. Can't wait."

Although McClain's future is almost certainly on the defensive side of the ball, he also is going to show his versatility by playing tight end for the Wildcats this spring.

"I'm excited about it," he said. "It's another way I can help the team."

Although he plays at a rival high school, McClain has said numerous times that he molds his playing style after former Lowndes High and Florida State star Telvin Smith, who now starts for the Jacksonville Jaguars.