On the Field with four-star 2026 Florida OL Chancellor Barclay
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Lining up for Orlando’s First Academy, Chancellor Barclay (6-4, 295) has worked his way to four-star recruiting status with 25 offers down, and more to come. Miami, Florida, Clemson, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M have Barclay’s attention with Notre Dame on the fringe with the Class of 2026 talent waiting for the Irish to drop that offer.
With so much going on for Barclay off the field, we took time to catch up with him on the gridiron.
INTERVIEW
What type of offense are you guys executing at First Academy?
“We are running a fast-paced offense. A no huddle – run-pass option offense. I was surprised how successful we were passing this year. At Lake Mineola, we were known for running the ball with coach Chad (Mavety). At Lake Mineola, we were successful doing that.
“When the rest of my o-line came to First Academy, we did a great job pass blocking. Against all the teams we played, they had really good secondaries. Like Seminole, they had only allowed one passing touchdown and that was against Lake Mary. When we went against those DBs, we were successful in the passing game; that helped our running lanes. Our running back still went over 200 yards in every game.”
In which ways did you see your skills as a blocker improve during the 2024 season?
“Coming from Lake Mineola, I was at right tackle, then at left tackle. When I started at right guard this season, I quickly understood that I would be pulling a lot. Our plays pull guards and tackles; even the H-back pulls.
“We were pulling and working up to the second level, that was something I improved on. I was working on that my sophomore year, I was impressed with myself how well I got to the second level, and how I got out on screens, with my zone blocking, and my powers while working up field. I was kicking out corners, ends, and linebackers to make a hole. I was very happy. Blocking out in space, I impressed myself. I thank God for my o-line coach helping me.”
Power generated on the field comes from effort in the weight room, what are some of your maxes from over the summer?
“We just did maxes after the season; my squat is 425, my bench is 300, and my power clean is 285. First Academy has helped me gain weight and strength. In February we will do another max out; I will get stronger. I wasn’t with this strength program before; I will get bigger numbers. I am proud of the progress I have made; before I was not close to these numbers. I want to get to 500 squat and 400 on bench before my high school career ends.”
What are you working on this offseason?
“Mentally, being more confident as a leader and being more confident in my abilities. Over the last three years, I needed to be more confident and trust in what I can do against defenses. Physically, I am working on getting a lower pad level and moving guys quicker. In college you will not have as much time as you do in high school to move guys. I am working on quick movements against these defensive linemen. They are smaller in high school but will get quicker and faster in college.”
RECRUITING TRAIL UPDATE
Barclay took game-day visits to Florida twice, Clemson, UCF, and Texas A&M. Going into 2025, Barclay wants to visit Texas A&M, Miami, Florida, Clemson, West Virginia, and Alabama.
For full details on Barclay’s recruitment, you can read his interview with Ryan Wright on SI.
Photo credit: Barclay family – No. 77 Chancellor Barclay
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