Running back was the position Jaden McLeod dreamed of playing in his early years of football, but he knew that wasn’t meant to be.
“Defense is more well-suited for me,” said McLeod, a Silver Bluff High School senior who plays defensive end and defensive tackle.
Silver Bluff ended its football season 11-1 after a loss to Gray Collegiate Academy 49-14 in the state title game Dec. 3 played at Benedict College in Columbia.
McLeod said the team met the goal for the season.
“Our goal was to get to Benedict,” he said.
Last year was a COVID-shortened season. The team only lost two games – by a total of three points. Those three points cost the Bulldogs in their playoff bid, he said. Getting the state championships was the team’s focus.
MORE: Silver Bluff heads to state championship game
And the Bulldogs did – in a mighty fashion. They went undefeated on the season, handily beating their rivals including six shutouts. They beat South Aiken 40-0 in the season opener Aug. 20, followed by a 34-0 victory over Aiken Sept. 3; a 41-0 win over Fox Creek on Sept. 10; and a 43-0 rout of Midland Valley on Sept. 17.
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It would be the fifth game of the season before any opponent put numbers on the scoreboard.
On the season, McLeod racked dup 90 tackles including 42 tackles for losses. He had 10 sacks and four forced fumbles, according to Head Coach De’Angelo Bryant.
Bryant called McLeod one of the team’s defensive leaders. This year’s team was a strong one with 17 seasoned seniors.
MORE: Silver Bluff heads to state championship game after defeating Barnwell
One game that stuck out to McLeod this season was against Fox Creek.
“I was lined up against one of the best people in the state,” he said.
Also, Fox Creek is a rival of the Bulldogs so it was good to win.
One thing that impressed Bryant about McLeod was his dedication in the off-season.
“Last year, he took a week off after the season,” he said. “Then he went to the weight room every day, developing his strength and confidence.”
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McLeod said Benedict was on his mind in the weight room during those training sessions. He didn’t want to let his team down.
Not only does he play football, but McLeod is on the track and field team. He throws shot put and discus.
Multiple colleges are looking at McLeod now. He doesn’t know where he’ll go yet, but he plans to consider the school’s business college as well as its proximity to home, he said.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com
