Oakland Raiders wants linebacker Rolando McClain to be vocal and lead – NFL News
Oakland Raiders’ linebacker Rolando McClain has the reputation of being too shy and hesitant to talk in front of media.
In order to change this behaviour, Raiders have been urging McClain to be confident and speak more in front of media.
During an interview on Monday, July 30, 2012, McClain said that he wants to play a big role in the team. He said:
“Oh. I don’t know. I don’t, really. My nature is, I’m a quiet shy guy and I keep to myself. The coaches ask me to get away from that, basically. I’m trying to do that and I’m fighting with myself.”
McClain has been making the headlines in recent months, but only for bad reasons. In May this year, he was sentenced to 180 days in Jail for a violent act.
He threatened to kill a person and fired a shot, which went very close to the victim’s head in December last year.
McClain missed most of early part of the season due to a bum ankle. He admitted that he will have to come out of the box if he wants to have a good season.
It is vital for McClain to get out of comfort zone and be more expressive. He is getting support from his teammates in doing that.
Head coach Dennis Allen has been appreciative of McClain’s progress this offseason. Talking about McClain’s progress, Allen said:
“He’s done a real good job from a leadership standpoint. He’s very instinctive. He’s smart out there. He’s taken command of the huddle. Those things I’ve been pleased with.”
Raiders’ 3-4 defensive formation will certainly help McClain in giving better output as he played in the same system at Alabama.
Raiders drafted McClain as the eighth overall pick in the 2010 draft. He came with a reputation of having a blitzing running speed down the field.
Yet in the two seasons he has played in the league, his pass coverage was average at best. McClain does not believe that he should attribute all his underperformance to his injuries. He said:
“I’m not going to put an injury on anything. I’m just saying that I didn’t play to the best of my ability and neither did our defense. We all can improve.”
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