PREP FOOTBALL: McLean makes statement for GHS

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on August 20, 2018 5:51 AM

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By RUDY COGGINS

rcoggins@newsargus.com

Xzavior Bowden is the talk about town these days.

The 6-foot, 230-pounder bulked up during the offseason after a strong junior campaign where he grabbed the attention of college recruiters.

He emerged as the second-leading rusher in East Central 2-A action, and opposing teams expect him to be the center piece of Goldsboro High's offense this fall.

"It is built around Bowden," Cougars head coach Timothy Ray said.

But don't expect a one-man show from the old blue and maize on Friday nights this fall.

Jykeis McLean proved that against Hobbton.

Two inches shorter and 40 pounds lighter than his backfield mate, McLean made a statement against the Wildcats.

The junior out-jumped a defender in one-on-one coverage and turned the athletic play into a 76-yard touchdown reception late in the opening quarter. He ended the night with three receptions that totaled 111 yards.

"I had to show people what I can do, prove people wrong because a lot of them doubted me," said McLean.

That wasn't all.

McLean handled kickoff chores, converted six of eight PATs and logged six tackles on defense during Goldsboro's season-opening win.

He is the Swiss Army knife of Cougar football.

"It might be a surprise to everybody else, but it's not a surprise to us at all," Ray said. "We knew from day one who Jykeis McLean is. It just took him a year to mature and grow his body. He lifted over the summer, worked in the offseason. That's the result of all of that hard work.

"He's definitely one of the best athletes in the county."

McLean began to break out of his shell this past spring.

He claimed runner-up honors in the 400-meter dash in the both the Wayne County and ECC outdoor track and field championship meets. Not to mention, McLean was part of the Cougars' 4x2 relay that advanced to the state finals in Greensboro.

Ray knew then that McLean and his sophomore classmates were ready.

"They're stepping up," Ray said of McLean and JB Rhodes, who had three of his six TDs called back Friday.

"We've got a few more juniors stepping up. We've got some weapons out here this year."