This Clemson pro turned heads and opened eyes during his NFL team’s minicamp, according to ESPN.

ESPN named former Tiger and current Atlanta Falcons receiver/return specialist Ray-Ray McCloud among the players who surprised most at minicamp — those who “unexpectedly rose to the occasion and could make a serious impact in the fall when rotational battles heat up.”

Here’s what ESPN NFL Nation reporter Marc Raimondi had to say about McCloud, who signed a two-year deal worth up to $6 million with the Falcons this offseason.

“When the Falcons signed McCloud in March, it didn’t make a big splash, especially compared to more high-profile acquisitions such as quarterback Kirk Cousinsand wide receiver Darnell Mooney. Most figured McCloud, a veteran going into his seventh year, would make his mark primarily as a return man. But he also got reps with Atlanta’s first team this spring and performed well, catching passes from Cousins for big plays. New offensive coordinator Zac Robinson figures to use many wide receivers. McCloud will be in that mix behind Drake London and Mooney, along with players such as Rondale Moore and sixth-round draft pick Casey Washington.”

McCloud was also recently pegged by CBS Sports as an under-the-radar player who could become a star this season.

McCloud spent the last two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. Prior to that, McCloud had stints with the Pittsburgh Steelers (2020-21) and Carolina Panthers (2019). He began his NFL career with the Bills in 2018 after being selected by the franchise in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

McCloud has accumulated 90 receptions for 768 yards and one receiving touchdown in his NFL career, to go with a rushing touchdown.

Over his NFL career, the 27-year-old has also returned 138 punts for 1,326 yards (9.6 yards per return) and 108 kickoff returns for 2,438 yards (22.6 yards per return).

For the 49ers in 2023, McCloud caught 12 passes for 135 yards, returned 24 punts for 203 yards (8.5 average) and returned 10 kickoffs for 225 yards (22.5 average).

A national champion at Clemson in 2016, McCloud led the NFL in punt return yards as a member of the Steelers in 2021.

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