Alongside Ken Hall and Brett Law, McLendon is one of the most productive high school football players of all time.
In his final game, he rushed for 289 yards and a state-record seven touchdowns in leading Albemarle to the Class 1A state championship.
McLendon continued his football career at North Carolina State, becoming the focal point of the Wolfpack's offense as a freshman in 2002, earning Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Year honors.
), setting school single-season records with 18 touchdowns (tied ACC season mark for freshmen) and 108 points scored, adding 354 yards on 42 receptions (8.4 avg.
McLendon re-injured the hamstring midway through the season vs. Maryland and it limited his performance the rest of the year.