Message from Jeremiah McClendon
- Tom Weber
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois senior cornerback Jeremiah McClendon is graduating this semester and will begin training for the 2026 NFL Draft. He tied the school record in 2025 with 14 pass breakups and earned first-team All-Conference honors.
Now that the season has come to an end and everything has wrapped up, I just want to take the time to give my thanks and appreciation to Saluki Nation!
First, I would like to start by thanking Coach Hill for never giving up on me, believing in me, and trusting me throughout the recruiting process. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to earn my degree and play the sport I love.
I also want to thank the staff and coaches who were here when I first stepped foot on campus. I cannot forget about you all because you were a part of the journey. To my current defensive staff and coaches, I can’t thank you enough for putting me in the best position to succeed and coaching me up to have the final season I had. This one was special!
Next, JC and Chris G the GOAT, strength coaches along with the GAs, training staff, and academic staff (shoutout to Alexis), you all deserve recognition and appreciation as well. Without you, I would not have been able to stay in shape, get stronger and faster, remain healthy, and make sure everything outside of football was taken care of.
To my teammates/brothers the grind, the team building, and everything we went through together has been amazing. I’m grateful to have met all of you, and I wish nothing but the best as you continue on your individual journeys.
Thank you, Tom. The StrongDawgs platform you have started is absolutely amazing, and it will continue to grow. It is a great resource that gives current and former players the recognition they deserve, recognition that many people may not see because they are not around the program every day like you are.
Finally, thank you to the Saluki fans and families who support the Dawgs. I love you all and appreciate the support you’ve shown during my time here in Carbondale.
Jeremiah McClendon
Saluki Football
He will certainly be missed!