The Turkey Creek Trojans JV team is playing hard with the hope of getting to the Tri-County Youth Football and Cheerleading Conference’s annual Superbowl championship game. One of the team’s most confident players is Casey McClain Jr., who plays multiple positions for the team. His father, Casey McClain Sr., has coached Trojans teams for several years. McClain Jr.’s parents say he is a team player who isn’t scared of facing opponents bigger than he is.
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How long have you been playing football?
About seven years.
What first got you into it?
I don’t know. Since my dad brought me out here when I was 2, I started to like it. I was practicing with him, so I just always did it.
What position did you start at?
Corner. That was kind of it. It was kind of rough, the first four years, then I started working my way up to running back.
Is running back your favorite position to play?
Yes, sir.
What do you like about it?
I like the running part and how I get the ball, and how I can help make plays.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve done on the field?
Juke somebody so bad their ankles broke … last week. That was kind of fun.
Who’s your favorite football player?
Kwon Alexander. I love his story, how his brother died and he just came back and attacked that whole Falcons game (Nov. 1, 2015). That really amps me up all the time.
Are the Bucs your favorite team?
Yes, sir.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned about football?
Be safe, and keep your mouthpiece in so you don’t be like a jack o’lantern and stuff like that.
What advice would you give to a new football player?
Be safe. Make sure you don’t hit somebody with the helmet because that would really break somebody’s neck. Help them out more and more.
What’s it like when your dad is a coach?
It’s fun, but it’s also frustrating because you always have your dad coaching you from the sidelines and you have the other coach coaching you at the same time.
Is there any sport you’ve never played but want to?
I want to try volleyball. I never tried it before and I always like to try new sports. I’m starting to play basketball for Turkey Creek.
What’s the first thing you’d buy with an NFL contract?
A Lamborghini. Come up with a brand new whip.