Eric Mac Lain

Mac Lain was a four-star prospect and the No. 9-ranked tight end prospect according to 247Sports.com coming out of Fayetteville (N.C.) Jack Britt High School in the Class of 2011. He signed with Clemson over programs like Arkansas, Auburn, Duke, North Carolina, Penn State and many others. Mac Lain redshirted for the Tigers in 2011 and saw very limited action the following season at tight end and offensive tackle. He is the ideal team player, and made the switch from tight end to the offensive line when the Tigers had a rash of injuries in the trenches. It was his idea and he went to the coaching staff to suggest the move. Mac Lain committed himself to his new position and gained 65 pounds in the process. In 2013, he got much more into the line rotation, playing in 13 games and participating in 140 snaps at guard. He saw significant growth the following year, earning his first start. Mac Lain enjoyed a breakout 2015 season, being used as a starter and backup. He played so well that Mac Lain earned All-ACC First Team Honors.

in our view

Mac Lain is a good developmental prospect. Just think how far he has come already - he's a great worker and even better leader. For some team that is really looking ahead and has a season or two to develop Mac Lain, they could certainly get a return on their investment. But that team must possess patience and have good coaching.

strengths

Though he always wanted to be the next Jason Witten, it was worth the wait and transition for Mac Lain from tight end to the offensive line. Mac Lain really played well for the high octane Clemson offense in 2015.

what you can't see with mac lain are his outstanding leadership skills both on and off the field and certainly in the locker room and practice fields. he is well liked and highly respected by his coaches and teammates. puts in the work and then some, and is a teacher to the younger players.

Good athlete still learning how to play on the offensive line. Can be physical, has good feet and is highly intelligent. Big boned and tall but has guard arms. Can put a hat on a defender and drive off ball.

weaknesses

Limited experience, and with that comes the lack of proper playing technique. Has a tackle body but has to play guard. Struggles out on the island in space. Much more suited inside. Still has some difficulties in pass pro and tends to play too high; loses his balance and then loses the battle. Tends to struggle against fronts that play games.

Rated as the No. 59 player in the nation and No. 6 tight end by Rivals.com

played in the Shrine Bowl and the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl

one of the top-250 players in the nation and No. 9 tight end by Scout.com

No. 6 tight end in the nation by SuperPrep

had 26 receptions for 393 yards and six scores as a senior at Jack Britt High School

had 42 catches for 575 yards and eight scores in his career

a big reason his team rushed for 12,000 yards over the last three years

had 93 solo tackles, eight sacks, four caused fumbles, four recovered fumbles and one interception in his career

punted 70 times for a 45-yard average

first-team all-conference for four years and first-team all-region as a junior and senior

all-state by North Carolina Preps and a four-year all-conference selection

three-year All-Cape Fear Valley Region member

named a Badger Sports Preseason All-American

helped his school to a 50-8 record as a four-year starter, the best four-year record in school history

played on two conference, two Eastern Regional and two state runner-up teams

sophomore All-American by MaxPreps.com

most valuable wide receiver as a junior and team MVP as a senior

four-year letterman on the basketball team

played on two conference, two sectional and two Eastern Regional championship basketball teams

outstanding student who is in the National Honor Society

coached by Richard Bailey at Jack Britt High

recruited by Dan Brooks.

His brother, Sean, is a walk-on wide receiver at Clemson

graduated May 8, 2015 with a degree in health science

born March 6, 1993.