Xzavier McLeod brings unique size and agility to USC’s 2023 recruiting class
Camden High School opened its football season on Friday, but its star defender had a big day of his own on Thursday.
Four-star defensive lineman Xzavier McLeod announced his intentions to join USC’s 2023 recruiting class, and his coaches expect his size and speed to guide him through his time with the Gamecocks.
His head coach, Brian Rimpf, noted the power McLeod has possessed since his freshman year. He finished that season on varsity, and now as a senior, he anchors the defensive line.
“They identified him so early as a Power Five guy just based off his size, his speed and agility,” Rimpf said. “He’s got a great get-off on the ball as a defensive tackle. He’s got strength. He’s got all the attributes you’re looking for.”
Even with the frame he came to Camden with, McLeod continued to build on it. He added to his strength in the weight room, making him even more physically imposing.
Joey Hendrix, Camden’s defensive coordinator, said that McLeod managed to add strength while still refining his technique. He’s grown in his ability to fend off blockers and fight “outside of the reach.”
“He’s improved, even from last year,” Hendrix said. “His hand placement, power out of his stance. It’s going to be amazing to see the difference from last year to this year.”
McLeod’s run defense clogs the gaps for opposing ball carriers, allowing his teammates to rack up tackles. He said that his hand placement and ability to chase players down the field are aspects of his game that he’s looking to keep elevating.
He identified his unique combination of size and quickness as the best traits of his game.
“A lot of coaches tell me that’s impressive,” McLeod said. “They can’t really find guys that come in big and move quick. It’s either one or the other.”
More than his talent, McLeod will bring a bit of a personality to Columbia with him, as well.
Hendrix said McLeod often talks to him about various things, including school, football, family life and more.
“There’s never a dull moment,” Hendrix said. “He comes to my room probably two or three times a day and says, ‘Coach, let me tell you something.’ It’s always an adventure.”
McLeod has been in contact with a few players at USC. He said it varied by position group, but he’s heard from some of the team’s defensive lineman, offensive lineman and quarterbacks.
While he’s ready to train and compete for South Carolina, he’s not looking forward to any of the freshman hazing the team offers.
“That’s the one thing I’m not ready for,” McLeod said.
McLeod and the Bulldogs open their season on Friday against Myrtle Beach. Rimpf expects him to remain a dominant player in his final year of high school.
“We expect him to be a guy that everybody’s going to know where he’s lined up on the field when they’re going against him,” Rimpf said. “We just have to know that they’re probably going to try to run away from him or double him. All of that will go into helping the team.”
This story was originally published August 19, 2022 at 2:00 AM.
