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The New Orleans Saints receiving corps could be without both Michael Thomas and Deonte Harris to start the 2021 season, between Thomas’ ankle surgery in June and Harris’ arrest on a DUI charge that usually comes with a two-game suspension. It’ll take a team effort to replace Thomas, but there’s one player in particular who could add the extra gear Harris has put to good use: Jalen McCleskey, who timed a 4.28-second 40-yard dash at his virtual pro day in 2020.
I got to interview McCleskey on Saints Wire’s behalf back in April after he signed with New Orleans following a tryout. With an opportunity for McCleskey to take on a larger role in training camp, especially in the return game, it’s a good time for fans to get to know him better.
This is not the first time I have interviewed the Tulane product and each time I walk away knowing I just spoke with a promising player, a fierce competitor, and an even better human. Saints fans, he will be one to watch in training camp.
Here is our exclusive interview with Saints wide receiver Jalen McCleskey:
Kade Kistner: What was your experience like from spending time at the Atlanta Falcons training camp last season and what did you learn from it?
Jalen McCleskey: It was a really good experience. Just getting [to] experience the NFL game, how practice is, how the players are in practice, things like that. Being in the same room as Julio [Jones] was a really big thing, because he did a great job teaching and giving advice. Whenever you have someone like that giving you advice, it’s really good to listen. So, just listening to him, taking everything in, I felt like it was a really good experience.
KK: What do you hope to experience playing in New Orleans again after having spent that season at Tulane University?
JM: Just that I’m ready to play football again. I’ve been working out this whole time just trying to stay ready for whatever opportunity I get. So, just being able to finally go play football, go back to practice, go to meetings, that kind of stuff. It’s gonna be fun!
KK: Speaking of working out, how was your workout at the Saints facility for Tulane’s pro day, and do you think that helped you land on the Saints’ radar?
JM: Yeah, I think so. Just being able to have my pro day in general, because I didn’t get to have mine last year, so nobody really knew my numbers. I did a virtual type of video. But, I don’t know how serious they took that stuff. So, finally being able to get to have a pro day in front of the scouts, I felt like that was a really big deal.
KK: Yeah, I remember your 40-yard dash in your virtual pro day video last it. It was pretty … fast.
JM: Oh yeah.
KK: What have the Saints told you about your expected role in terms of playing slot, special teams coverage, returning?
JM: I think I’ll be more of a slot receiver, but I haven’t really gotten a chance to talk through all of that. They’ve been going through the draft process and the draft meetings, so they’ve been really busy with that. I haven’t really gotten to talk about what my role is, but I’m pretty sure it’s to be a slot receiver.
KK: So, some fun questions. Which of your new teammates do you think you could beat in a race?
JM: Shoot, I feel like I can beat anyone in a race.
KK: Well, that answers my next question of ‘who do you NOT want to race?’
JM: Nah, I’ll race anybody, anywhere.
KK: Finally, what’s your favorite restaurant in New Orleans?
JM: I have to say, I’ve been going to Drago’s a lot.
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