By Staff
LISTEN UP n St. Louis Rams' cornerback Dexter McCleon talks with a group of young athletes at his football camp Saturday in Meridian. Photo by Steve Swogetinsky/The Meridian Star
By Steve Swogetinsky/The Meridian Star
Sunday, May 20, 2001
So who says you can't come back home?
Former Wildcat standout and professional football player Dexter McCleon enjoyed some familiar sights Saturday as he held his second youth football camp at Meridian High School's Ray Stadium.
A Meridian native, McCleon was a consensus All-America selection and Super Prep Dixie Player of the Year while playing at Meridian High School.
McCleon had just finished a training camp with the Rams before coming to Meridian for Saturday's camp.
Upon gradating from MHS, McCleon went on to Clemson where he was a four-year letterman in football and a two-year letterman in baseball. He started every game of his junior and senior years at Clemson and was named first team to the All-Atlantic Coast Conference as a senior.
He was the Rams' second choice in the 1997 draft and become one of the team's top defensive players at the cornerback position. McCleon and his teammates enjoyed the Rams' Super Bowl victory in 2000 and are looking to return to the championship game next January.
Helping out with the camp was another former Meridian High Wildcat, Jason Franklin, who just wrapped up his college career at Delta State and has signed with the Green Bay Packers as a wide receiver.
While the Packers and the Rams aren't scheduled to play each other during the regular season, there is always the possibility of the two teams meeting in the playoffs, and then it could be former Wildcat vs. former Wildcat.
Steve Swogetinsky is regional editor of The Meridian Star. Call him at 693-1551, ext. 3217, or e-mail him at sswogetinsky@themeridianstar.com.