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If Tennessee offensive lineman Jacques McClendon wasn’t busy with football, he could probably make a living pulling fire engines.
Or another one of those cockamamie feats of strength you see performed in the wee hours on ESPN.
If he’s not the World’s Strongest Man, he’s at least the strongest man in Tennessee’s weight room after setting UT’s bench press record this summer at an astounding 645 pounds.
“I would say he’s one of the strongest men in the United States,” says UT linebacker Rico McCoy. “He’d have to be. A 645-pound bench? It’s crazy. I’m just happy he’s on my side.”
UT strength and conditioning coach Johnny Long is equally impressed with McClendon’s brute strength.
“It’s hard to roll (645 pounds),” Long said Wednesday. “Put it on the ground and it’s hard to push it. To see Jacques with those numbers is really impressive at such a young age. Now comes the time to be smart and manage them.”
That means, at least until next summer, there won’t be any more bench press records falling.
There won’t even be any more 500-pound lifts for McClendon or fellow lineman Vladimir Richard, who also bench pressed more than 600 pounds this summer.
“Jacques can probably hit 500 any day of the week, probably two or three times,” Long said. “But I don’t need him to do it right now. I need him to get ready for two-a-days.”
And McClendon wasn’t just lifting weights.
In addition to the usual conditioning and lifting, McClendon participated in yoga classes two to three times a week.
“That’s mainly what we did with Jacques this offseason, work on his flexibility,” Long said. “Two or three days a week, he was in yoga classes out here on the mat. He didn’t like that too much at first, but now he’s bought into it and seen the flexibility is what he really needed.”
McClendon wasn’t the only one participating in the yoga classes, either.
“I did it every time,” defensive end Robert Ayers said. “It’s the little things like stretching that helps you not cramp up in the fourth quarter or helps you run just a little bit faster.”
In addition to stressing flexibility, Long also sat down with UT’s training staff to work on a program that would help reduce knee and shoulder injuries, as well as rehab times should those injuries occur.
Several Vols had offseason surgeries after dealing with those kinds of injuries throughout the fall and spring.
“We did a lot of knee stability exercises, a lot of single-leg work this year,” Long said. “It’s a physical game.”
Peak Performers: Long mentioned several players who stood out during summer workouts besides McClendon and Richard.
Long said sophomore safety Eric Berry has added 12-15 pounds of muscle and that Ayers impressed as well.
Long praised the efforts of defensive tackle Demonte’ Bolden, McCoy, offensive tackle Chris Scott, linebacker Adam Myers-White as well as tight end Luke Stocker.
He also said defensive tackle Donald Langley was one of the team’s most improved lifters.
“Lifting weights and playing football are two different things, obviously,” Long said, “but I’m hoping he can take what he’s done in the offseason and put it out there on the football field.”
Inside or Outside? Ayers, who played some at defensive tackle last season, said he doesn’t mind playing inside this season if asked by coaches.
But Ayers, for one, thinks that players like Victor Thomas, Chase Nelson and Langley have made the strides needed to contribute at tackle this fall.
“Those guys are going to be able to play, in my opinion,” Ayers said. “If I have to, then I will (play tackle). But right now it looks like Vic Thomas and Donald Langley and Chase are really wanting it.”
Notebook: The Vols have one more week in the weight room before taking a week off prior to the start of fall camp in August. … According to the SEC, Tennessee will take Ayers and tailback Arian Foster to SEC Media Days next week in Hoover, Ala.
Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.
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Comments » 102
cdmav08 writes:
645? thats got to be two Phillip Fulmers.
Smallmike4pres writes:
"Eric Berry has added 12-15 pounds of muscle", incredible! That is the best thing I have heard all summer. I can't wait until he blows up Timmy Titbow & makes him think twice about leaving that pocket.
GreerVol22 writes:
I'd rather him only bench 500 and be able to make a whole for Creer or somebody to run thru...
Ironcity writes:
When did humans start benching 600lb's? Thats crazy strong. I hope it translates onto the field.
BSweet writes:
He's one of our starting OG's DC. Hopefully this will translate into him opening holes for the RBs. We really need to do better at pounding the fritter this year, as some would say. I'm amped for the season to get here. I hope Berry lays the wood on some people this year. There's nothin' quite as pretty as a slobber-knockerin' hit. Who was it Eddie Moore hit in the FL game several years ago that woke up in the locker room wondering where he was? It was one of the receivers but I can't remember which one. That was a pretty hit!
stevefrommemphis writes:
McClendon actually saved the season last year when he recovered a bouncing Tennessee fumble ten yards downfield in South Carolina territory against the Gamecocks, I think on the last drive.
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
Richard and McClendon, one of them won't be starting due to McNeil being at center and weighing 250 pounds still. Oh well, looking forward to 26 yeards rushing or less vs. Florida once again.
Bass_Vol_1998 writes:
I like to imagine this dude pushing workin's fatso body 20 feet into the river at their tailgate... it would look like a kung fu movie
Bass_Vol_1998 writes:
DC "Of course, Berry would likely dive at Tebow's legs if the two ever do have an encounter. Tebow would either step over him, jump over him, run over him or deposit him into row six."
Or Berry could give him whiplash like he did the QB of wisconsin... you know when we won our bowl game. Harvin gets a migraine just thinking about E.B.
Volomatic writes:
Bass- You are talking to a FL fan they think anybody at the qb position at thier school is a gift of god
If you put chavis at qb they would talk about heisman
caskew#218608 writes:
Jacq has been in a couple of my classes this summer including one currently. He's not only strong, but he's also very intelligent. Maybe this will translate to some success on the field. Go Vols!!
volsack writes:
hahaha I think this is hilarious...I played basketball against Jacques McClendon when I was in 6th grade. We called him "The Refrigerator." He was pretty good, too. It's just funny to think that I grew up competing against the strongest guy to go through UT. Go Jacques! Go Vols!
ZR writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
BillVol writes:
This is truly a non-story. Bench press means nothing. OL is more about footwork, technique. Could Jacques block Suff?
LiveFaith writes:
** Long said sophomore safety Eric Berry has added 12-15 pounds of muscle **
Sweet mother Mary!
?? Can McClendon play DT? That might draw a double team.
IBleedOrange444 writes:
ZR-
I think you'd have to bring 4 18-Wheelers and fill 'em from back to front.
powert#205805 writes:
I would rather see these guys keep lifting rather than yoga. But, I have never agreed with Long's approach and don't thing we have looked game strong since Stuckey was here.
Go4Two writes:
DC:
Jack Tatum, Ronnie Lott...Tebow would go down.. Berry has the same style
b_neas writes:
Does not matter how much Tebow weighs. When he is cutting back making a move, Berry will blind side him right in the ear hole. Berry may weigh less but he hits like he is 250 or more, its called momentum. Speed with combination of weight. Tebow will make it less games this year before he starts feeling the effects of thinking he can run every week in the sec. What was it last year 7 or 8 games and the little nagging injuries starting piling up on him?
Greyback_Vol writes:
McClendon and Richard both bench press over 600 lbs? That's crazy! There's no reason UT shouldn't be able to run up the middle this year. Oh wait, Foster has to be shown what the middle of the field is first.
Good to see the d-line guys have improved. This gives me some hope that there will be some dept.
orangebloodgmc writes:
There was a lot of good news in this article. Thanks, Drew, for finding it and writing it.
CoverOrange writes:
From a physics perspective leg strength is much more important. Bench strength will keep the defender off you but it takes leg strength to drive them anywhere. Never mind that the guys they are going up against are also benching 500+ probably.
Benching 645 just means you can press two lineman off you while laying on the ground.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Greybackvol 8:59 - great insight. He had over 3000 yards, much East and west.
But if there is no hole, choices are limited.
Livefaith nailed it, If he was a bull rusher into other team's backfields, man. He'd be doing 800 with three fritters a day.
Dang.
Hope Berry doesn't hit the sophmore jinx. Its hard to coach up that much talent.
Bruins await.
Good article for the doldrums.
Displaced_Vol_Fan writes:
I have 2 words for you.........Ronnie Lott!!!! How many times in his career did he lay guys out that were bigger than him? EB is UT's Ronnie Lott (the originator of the WOO!!!! hit).
LadyVolsEighTimes writes:
I'm old, but do many of ya'll remmember that Bates boy that played for the Vols and Cowboys?
If he is the one i'm thinking of, he could have ripped Tebow's head off! I have actually seen Earl Campbell stopped dead and driven backwards, at least three times, (or did theyonly show the replay once?). Anyway Tebow can be pole axed.
Volgrad777 writes:
This means nothing , BillVol dude are you nuts??? Back in 56 when you obviously played this might have meant nothing and linemen might have been solely based on footwork and tech. Its 2008 brotha , strength is the name of the game , if his footwork is decent and i mean even ok , tech can be taught , and even if it is only decent he should still excel. You cant teach 645lb bench. He doesnt have to move with that kind of strength haha , bodyslam here , pancake there haha
orangebloodgmc writes:
Yeah, LadyVols, I remember Bill Bates when he went to Farragut and we were recruiting him. Berry is in good company with people like that.
volwalk writes:
As much as I appreciate the abilities of Tim Tebow, he is no different than some of the other elite players. Tebow has a bullseye on his chest not a "S" and he will get smacked around this year. I've got a feeling that Meyer learned a little last year and will try and save/protect his star. If he doesn't than he will get the wood laid to him at Neyland!
kevinlimbo#326134 writes:
DC,
I don't know if you're implying Grossman is jewish by your gift from Moses post, I don't think he is.
Regardless, it's still God.
orangebloodgmc writes:
I hope he passes it toward the guy Berry is covering.
kevinlimbo#326134 writes:
No need to guess. ;^)
CoverOrange writes:
TnGeoff, agreed, overall strength is most important. Does no good to bench 700 and squat 150 or vice versa. Not knowing what McClendon can powerlift, I'm withholding my excitement on 645 bench.
Brama writes:
Did He actually lift 645 or did he do lighter reps to equal 645?
99gator writes:
where would berry light tebow up?
berry is a safety. if berry was close to the line of scrimmage it would mean tenn would be putting 8 in the box to stop the run (not good). or he would be hitting tebow ten to fifteen yards downfield or more (also not good).
you want someone else to light tebow up.
speaking of lighting people up.....my favorite hit...
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Bqg9NjsdTkI
VolGraduate writes:
The O line should be solid. I expect nothing less than 1500 yds from Foster or 2 1000 yd rushers...Can't wait to find out!!!!
Is t-bow the only heisman winner to lose 4 games?
RJ_Vol writes:
Championships are won in the offseason!
DC - Are the two DB's you lost important to your defensive schemes or are they back-ups? I hate it for those two guys, so just know I'm not trying to rub it in.
VolGraduate writes:
Kingsportvol's theme song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJN3PG...
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
VolGraduate, no....Johnny Lujack of ND was the first Heisman winner from a team with a losing record....the runner up was Johnny Majors that year.
99gator writes:
marc ash
i won't post clips from the 2007 game. that would be cruel.
in all seriousness.....i understand the desire to "light up" the heisman winner....but, the kid is built like a tank.
i think tenn would be better served to "light up" harvin and the other skill people.
odds are a collision between berry and tebow.....berry ain't winnin.
and for the poster who dared to compare berry to ronnie lott and jack tatum......ahhhhh....no.
99gator writes:
the last two articles are actually the key to tenn's whole season.
too many games getting whipped up front on both sides of the ball.
and nothing.....and i mean nothing.....was more shocking than tenn's inability to run the ball against florida (at all) after i am sure the rushing total of the 2006 game was buletin board material the whole week (heck, maybe even the whole offseason). it was more shameful than the 59 points florida put up.
no excuse for not getting more than 30 yards rushing against the florida defense version 2007.
orangebloodgmc writes:
"and for the poster who dared to compare berry to ronnie lott and jack tatum......ahhhhh....no."
True, 99, those guys never had over 200 yds int returns in one season.
99gator writes:
orangebloodgmc
come on man. ronnie lott is arguably the greatest safety of all time. jack tatum is also a hall of famer.
eric berry is 19.
this is good. this is why we can't wait for the games to be played.
y'all are tired of hearing about florida and tebow.
i'm getting tired of this goon squad stuff.
by september....things will be just right.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
I do 7-10 reps at 160 lbs. Proud of it. Even prouder of 45 lb dumbell curls.
Not proud of the bad Lab f#rt beside me on my 5th press this am. Talk about breaking concentration. I know why they never made any aftershave named "Alpo".
supersteve17 writes:
Majors lost the Heisman to Paul Hornung, I think. Notre Dame had a 2-9 record that year (or something like that). Some guy from Oklahoma should have actually been the winner that year and finished third in the voting. I'm sure somebody can complete the details...
orangebloodgmc writes:
Yep, we'll see in September. I better get to work. Bah.
invisiblekid writes:
Leg strength is important but that upper body strength helps out in getting the hands out and knocking the defensive lineman off balance. Obviously, McClendon has that strength to spare, 645lbs is sick. Vlad Richard was also a specimen before he set foot on campus, kid is an absolute beast now. Everyone is strong at this level of football though. The things for these guys to work on are keeping a low center of gravity, maintaining their balance, and working on their hands.
invisiblekid writes:
As for Tebow versus Berry, I hope Eric gets 3 interceptions and doesn't have to make a single tackle on Superman. I'd much rather see our LB's put him on his a** a few times. Even Superman went down a time or two in the sequel.
VolGraduate writes:
workin and supersteve...
either way t-bow is going down in Sept
Waldorf writes:
99 -
Re the inability to run the ball. Not really. Florida loaded the box all day and we did not have a deep threat. It did not matter what we did, Florida knew they could play the run and gamble we couldn't move the ball by throwing it.
However, oddly enough, the best offensive drive we had all day was right before the half when we did attempt to actually go north & south.
To others regarding Foster -
Agree I would have liked to see him run up the middle more, but pretty much he was coached to run out of bounds. It's standard protocol in the NFL to keep a back from taking that many hits, and in case you didn't notice, UT ran a mini-version of the Colts offense last year. Watch them and you will see the receivers and backs run out of bounds all the time.
99gator writes:
dc
joe haden is 5'11 180. boy's got speed and i think he will be a very good player....but does not have optimum size.
major wright is a hitter but does not have the kind of wheels that eric berry has. florida has a bunch of strong safeties, but really not a free safety (with the exception of will hill). but, i don't put any faith in true freshman until they prove otherwise.
personnally, i think florida and tennessee are pretty much the same in the secondary (talented, but were young) and had no pass rush to help them out. interesting to see how they progress. but, i don't think florida's db's are all that horrible. in most games, i think the pass rush was worse than the coverage.
but, that's where i find the "goon squad" thing funny. what did anyone on that defense do to earn a nickname?
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