Jeremiah McClendon hopes to be next in line of Saluki NFL defensive backs

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois has become a pipeline for NFL defensive backs, and All-American cornerback Jeremiah McClendon is hoping to continue that trend as the NFL Draft unfolds this week.

McClendon will watch the draft from his home in Florida and said he expects to either be a late-round pick on Saturday or a priority free agent. He’d love to join the list of recent Saluki DBs in the league that includes Jeremy Chinn, PJ Jules, Ryan Neal, Craig James and Madre Harper.

McClendon took part in Pro Day at SIU in March.

“Playing in the NFL is something I've dreamed about since I was a toddler, before I could even walk around with a football in my hand,” McClendon said. “To have an opportunity to make a team would mean everything to me.”

After a season in which he tied the school record with 14 pass breakups, while snagging two interceptions, McClendon trained for his pro days at XPE Sports in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He participated in pro days at both SIU and Northwestern, and ran a low 4.5 in the 40.

“My whole training was about acceleration, explosion, power and just getting my upper body stronger,” he explained. “I feel that my test results show the type of athlete I am to match the film.”

Read Jeremiah McClendon's inspirational life story.

He thinks playing in the top conference in the FCS works to his advantage in the eyes of scouts.

McClendon had a school-record 14 pass breakups last season.

“I guarded some great players here in the Missouri Valley, like Bryce Lance from North Dakota State,” McClendon said. “I feel like I played well at Purdue and against some of the top receivers in our conference.”

McClendon isn’t the only Saluki looking to latch on with an NFL club.

Kicker/punter Paul Geelen had an excellent 2025 season and pro day, and as a native of the Netherlands, is eligible for a roster exemption through the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP) program.

Center Noah Fenske put up elite numbers at SIU’s pro day that compared favorably to the top O-line talent at the combine. He did 32 reps on the bench press and ran a 4.88 40-yard dash.

The NFL Draft begins with Round 1 on Thursday, followed by Rounds 2-3 on Friday, and Rounds 4-7 on Saturday. Players who go undrafted are able to sign a free-agent contract with any of the 32 teams.