Cobras Sign Former NC State Quarterback Jalan McClendon

GREENSBORO- The 2018 National Arena League Champion Carolina Cobras announce a key signing today as Quarterback Jalan McClendon has officially signed with the Cobras for the 2021 season. McClendon enters his fifth year of professional football and first season in arena football.

Jalan McClendon (6’5, 216) last played in the XFL with the Los Angeles Wildcats. During his time in the XFL he saw action in five games serving as the backup to current San Francisco 49ers quarterback Josh Johnson. The Los Angeles Wildcats finished 2020 with a 2-3 record but had huge victories against the DC Defenders (39-9) and the Tampa Bay Vipers (41-34). Prior to the XFL, he was an undrafted free agent in the NFL who signed with the Washington Redskins in 2019. While in Washington he competed in training camp and played in two of the teams preseason games combining for four completions for 16 yards for the Redskins.

In college, McClendon began his collegiate career at North Carolina State where he played in three seasons for the Wolfpack (2015-2017). As a quarterback at NC State he threw 26 passes for 262 yards and completed one passing touchdown during his career. He also rushed 17 times for 83 yards for the Wolfpack. In 2018, he transferred to Baylor University where he spent his senior year playing in nine games and served as the starting quarterback against Oklahoma State. McClendon threw for over 751 yards on 55 completions and totaled three passing touchdowns during his single season with the Bears. On the ground, the 6’5 quarterback added 102 yards rushing on 34 carries and scored two rushing touchdowns.

Coach Res said, “It is great to have a big name local guy on the roster.With his experience from the next level, he will bring leadership to the team and the quarterback room.” Coach Res continues to say, “While in high school, Jalan was one of the top quarterbacks in North Carolina. This opportunity with the Cobras will give Jalan the chance to show why he belongs in the NFL. Undoubtedly, Jalan will be one of the top QBs in the NAL.”

McClendon is originally from Charlotte, NC and played high school football at West Mecklenburg High School. As a quarterback at West Mecklenburg High he led his team to a 9-3 record and into the 4A state playoffs in 2013. Overall, McClendon had two seasons where he threw over 1,700 yards and combined for 39 passing touchdowns at the high school level. As a mobile quarterback he rushed for 200 yards and scored six rushing touchdowns as a junior. Before graduating, he played in the North Carolina-South Carolina Shrine Bowl and was the starting quarterback for North Carolina. As a senior he was also ranked the #15 best quarterback in the nation (scout.com) where he became highly recruited receiving interest from Ohio State, Tennessee, Clemson, Florida State, Georgia, North Carolina and Duke. He received offers from Wake Forest and South Carolina State before committing to NC State.

ABOUT THE CAROLINA COBRAS
The Carolina Cobras are members of the National Arena League (NAL). Founded in 2017, the Carolina Cobras are starting their fourth season in 2021 and were the 2018 National Arena League Champions. The Cobras play their home games at the Greensboro Coliseum. Cobra Season Ticket Memberships are on sale now call (336) 445-7232 or visit carcobras.com. Follow the Cobras on Facebook at facebook.com/carcobras, twitter.com/carcobras and instagram.com/carcobras.