Depending on who you ask, the YAC acronym can represent either in football, but when it comes to North Meck High playmaker Terrence Clyburn, it doesn’t matter which.
Either apply, says one Viking lineman.
“We call him Mr. YAC,” says Sheldon Kinard.
Clyburn put his breakaway ability on display throughout last fall’s breakout season, compiling 639 yards and six scores as one of the Vikings’ most dangerous offensive weapons. And North coach Mike Bradley says Clyburn has worked to get even better this offseason.
“He’s faster, he’s stronger, and he’s been a leader,” says Bradley. “He’s got a great combination of speed and strength, good hand/eye coordination, and he’s coachable.”
An all-conference honoree last year, Clyburn didn’t speak up a lot, but now that he’s a senior, he wants to do more than just make plays on Friday nights.
“I want the ball as much as possible, but I want to make sure everybody on offense is on the same page,” says Clyburn.
Bradley says Clyburn, nicknamed “Red” just like his father Terrence, is essentially a receiver, but if he concentrated on one position, could start almost anywhere on either side of the football. Also a defensive back last year, he will play some outside linebacker this year.
“We could probably put him on the line and he’d do good,” says lineman Jon Granger.
The Vikings will use Clyburn in a variety of ways offensively, as a wideout, a slot receiver and a running back. He may even run the offense as a quarterback in the Wildcat formation. While his positions may change, the constant will be his involvement in the offense.
“We have to find a way to get the ball in his hands,” says Bradley.
And when he’s not the intended target for a touch, the Vikings will try to take advantage of Clyburn’s presence and use him as a decoy.
Clyburn attended West Charlotte his first two years of high school before coming to North last year as part of the school system’s realignment. But his cousin Gerald McDonald and his brother Tay Clyburn once played for the Vikings so relocating to North wasn’t a drastic transition.
“It’s been great for me,” says Clyburn.
Asked about his 40-yard dash time this week, Clyburn said he ran a 3.8, a time that would be a half second faster than recent Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Deion Sanders was in his prime.
“I’m Prime-Time,” said Clyburn, as if adopting Sanders’ alter-ego.
And then, finally, Clyburn cracked a smile.
Along with his knack for making things happen on the gridiron, it’s that personality, that balance of silliness and seriousness that his teammates love. If he wants to, Clyburn can intimidate with his glare.
“He does have that look,” says Bradley, “until he starts grinning at you.”
One glaring truth: the more Clyburn touches the ball and the more YAC he compiles, the more the Vikings figure to be grinning this fall.
