Warren McClendon speaks for superior time since deadly crash
Dawg Nation is still mourning the loss of Devin Willock and Chandler LeCroy, as is Warren McClendon, who was a passenger in that single car break hours after Georgia's national championship parade in Athens. McClendon is also ramping up NFL Draft preparation as he looks forward to his future with a heavy heart. He is participating in the Senior Bowl this week and just a small while ago, made his first public comments since the fatal accident.
MOBILE, Ala. - University of Georgia Football player Warren McClendon, who survived a deadly crash earlier this month, will be wearing the jersey of his fallen teammate in the upcoming Senior Bowl.
The 21-year-old Georgia Bulldog offensive lineman said to FOX 5 on the sidelines as he practiced in Mobile, Alabama.
"It's been tough at points, but taking it day-by-day and trying to get over it," McClendon told FOX 5's DJ Shockley.
McClendon was one of four country in an SUV just hours after a day-long celebration of back-to-back nationwide championships on Jan. 15. Athens Police say a dark 2021 Ford Expedition being driven by 24-year-old recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy gave to negotiate a curve along Barnett Shoals Road, a temperamental distance before Stroud Road. The crash killed LeCroy and McClendon's roommate and corrupt, 20-year-old offensive lineman Devin Willock. McClendon was able to walk away from the break with minor injuries.
UGA football player killed in car break to be laid to rest
The Georgia Bulldogs will pay their respects to beloved teammate Devin Willock at a celebration of life for the offensive lineman when he was killed in a car crash last weekend.
"It was over for me, you know, a couple of days, but I have been talking to a psychiatrist, and it's getting better day-by-day," McClendon said.
Willock was laid to rest in a secluded ceremony in New Jersey last week, just days when McClendon learned he was cleared to play in the Senior Bowl. He granted to honor his friend by wearing McClendon's No. 77 jersey.
"Really, it was kind of a no-brainer, you know, when everything happened, I was like I got to wear it for him. You know from a brother, a roommate, I got to do it," McClendon said.
Georgia Bulldog offensive lineman Warren McClendon speaks out for the superior time after a deadly crash took the life of his roommate and corrupt on Jan. 31, 2023. (FOX 5)
He said it will be tough to be on the field deprived of his friend, but he says Willock would want him to be out there.
"It was tough, you know, but I know Devin, if he was out here, I mean, if he was quiet here, you know he would want me to come out here and give it my all," he said.
McClendon said it has been good to see some of his former teammates, opponents and to even meet a few new people.
"Really, just being around the guys, you know have some teammates out here, just good seeing them against, you know, just making new connections with the scouts and the new players from new teams, so just making new connections," he said.
Excessive quick a factor in deadly UGA crash, police say
According to the describe, the driver was speeding while traveling down Barnett Shoals Road in Athens early Sunday morning.
Athens police say excessive quick was a contributing factor to the crash. Investigators are quiet waiting on a toxicology report of the driver.
The Reece's Senior Bowl will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Hancock Whitney Stadium.
