TC’s McCloud running in perfect setting

Posted Sep 30, 2009 by By Bill Ward

Updated Sep 30, 2009 at 05:41 PM

Hank McCloud realizes his goal is a lofty one. But with the teammates that surround him on Tampa Catholic’s football team this fall, the Crusaders’ senior running back sees no reason why he can’t average more than 200 yards a game.

“With the five guys on the line that I have and fullbacks Maronte Gilbert and Hunter Joyer blocking for me, too, I just don’t see why I can’t run like that every game,” McCloud said after rushing for a career-high 230 yards in the Crusaders’ season-opening win over Class 6A Groveland South Lake. “What we have here this season is like nothing I’ve ever had before. It’s amazing.”

Had Tampa Catholic’s game with Berkeley Prep not been canceled because of foul weather, McCloud might still be on track for 200 yards a game. As it stands, he was averaging nearly 150 after his 113-yard performance in the Crusaders’ win over 2008 state runner-up Ocala Trinity Prep.

With four returning offensive lineman and a tight end, Crusaders coach Bob Henriquez had a hunch his squad could run the ball this season. And with the emergence of Gilbert and Joyer, Tampa Catholic had the powerful fullbacks it had been lacking in recent years. It also doesn’t hurt that the Crusaders have a quarterback - senior Christian Green - opposing defenses have to respect, both rushing and passing the ball.

For a back with the speed and vision of McCloud, it’s a perfect setting for a breakout senior season.

You can read the rest of the story, which appeared in today’s South Tampa and Central Tampa zone sections, HERE.

Pictured: Tampa Catholic senior running back Hank McCloud. Photo by Bill Ward.