Talented Senior Shares Story and Experiences from Swinney Camp

CLEMSON — Back at the beginning of June, Clemson Football held its annual high school camp for players across the country to visit and train with coaches, players and staff at the facility.

The Clemson Insider took to find and learn more about players and families that attended in order to share their stories.

One perfect example comes from Matthew McAulay, a rising senior at Lexington (S.C.) High School. A football player for over a decade, he has compounded more and more to his game over the years, with his experience in the game and the camps he has attended.

“In my sophomore to junior year [of high school], I saw myself take off,” McAulay said of his major step he took in his game. “I became a better athlete and matured as an athlete. I can’t wait to see how my senior year will be.”

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound linebacker, who has also played at running back and long snapper over his football career, not only told us about his skills but showed us on the field. He maintains fast speeds and substantial east to west movement control. His twitch and powerful burst stand out, while he possess good vision.

“I’ve got good game speed,” McAulay said. “My 40 time might not be 4.4 seconds, but if I need to get sideline to sideline, I can get there.”

McAulay expressed his experience with Swinney’s camp, making an appearance every year that he could for the past four camps. His main loves are Swinney ball and the one-on-one drills, as they are able to compete against players from everywhere.

“The people you meet makes the experience,” he said. “No camps are open for three days and there aren’t combine drills at Clemson. I like to showcase that I can play football.”

Play football, he can.

After attending The Citadel’s camp recently, he has received his first offer from Anderson University and expects more to come. When asked about where he would want to play, he gave two answers.

“Clemson and Coastal, that would be a dream,” McAulay said.  “I love how things are run. I like the colors at Coastal and where it is. I have a bunch of friends that go to Clemson. I love how the town was built around the college… Clemson Paw after Clemson Paw, you don’t get it out of your head when you are in Clemson.”

A talented defensive and offensive player, McAulay’s years of experience at Swinney’s camp speaks to his development as a player and the commitment and importance the camp has for many athletes. Thousands of players, just like Matthew, are excited and expectant for the next camp to come.

A limited number of signed footballs from Clemson’s 2022 class are still available.  Get yours while supplies last!  Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!