When Bethune-Cookman quarterback Timmy McClain unleashed the game-winning touchdown pass with 20 seconds left in the Florida Classic on Saturday, he unleashed with it four-years of emotions, frustrations and disappointment.
“I would say it was kind of out-of-body experience to be honest with you, so crazy and so many
emotions going on,” McClain said after B-CU shocked FAMU with a 38-34 victory. “This team has been through a lot, ups and downs, roller coasters, but we fought through it.”
McClain is the one who has been up and down the roller coaster.
When he left Seminole High in 2021, fresh off leading his school to the Class 7A state championship, McClain was on top of the world, looking to do big things at the next level.
All is not promised in the world of college football.
McClain found out the hard way. But four colleges and nearly five years after signing with USF in December of 2020, McClain put a dagger in all of those trials and tribulations.
“It really did, it definitely did,” McClain said, of slaying all of his past demons.
Trailing FAMU 34-31 with 27 seconds left, McClain, who had been brilliant all day, took the snap and pointed, in Babe Ruth style, to the corner of the end zone.
That’s where he found Josh Evans, another Orlando-area product out of Olympia High, for the go-ahead touchdown. The sidelines erupted in elation, McClain ripped off his helmet and ran around the field in celebration, eventually getting a ride on the shoulders of one of the Bethune-Cookman assistant coaches.
He culminated his four years as a vagabond college quarterback with the MVP trophy in front of 55,000-plus fans at Camping World Stadium. From USF to UCF to Arkansas State to Bethune-Cookman, McClain’s final collegiate game was a doozy.
“It’s been a ride, for sure,” McClain said of his past four years. “I’ve been through a lot and with limited playing time, it wasn’t easy. When I did get the playing time I was able to maximize my opportunities and that’s what I did everywhere I’ve been.”
During his freshman year at USF, McClain had earned the starting job and threw for 1,888 yards and five touchdowns, but after the season, UCF brought in Baylor transfer Gerry Bohanon, so McClain transferred to UCF.
After sitting out his transfer season with the Knights in 2022, McClain worked himself from scout team quarterback into the starting lineup when starter John Rhys Plumlee was injured. He threw for 1,065 yards and nine touchdowns in 2023, but once again, was told he would be relegated to back-up, and he transferred again.
“It was kind of tough just because after the year I thought I was gonna be the guy, but they decided to bring in another guy, so I had to live with that and respect that decision,” McClain said. “They told me from the jump I was gonna be the back-up. Looking back, I could have waited it out, but I was trying to play right now.
“I loved UCF. I loved the fan base and just the atmosphere of UCF. I loved it all so it was really tough.”
He wound up at Arkansas State, where he was told he could compete for the starting position, but McClain said that wasn’t exactly the case.
“I thought I was gonna be able to compete for the job, but they had a guy too … McClain said. “They was telling me I could beat him out and all these fantasies but then I get to it and that’s not what it really was.”
So he was back in the transfer portal, and this time only one team came knocking, and it was coach Raymond Woodie Jr., and Bethune-Cookman.
“It was a blessing really. My only school coming out of the portal and they really gave me a chance,” McClain said. “They showed they were the ones who really believed in me.”
There were times when he could have quit and he admitted the thought did briefly cross his mind. But with people in his corner, like his father Tim McClain Sr., he had the support base to help him keep moving forward toward his football dream.
“Yeah, there had been some thoughts, but one thing I was taught is to never give up and always finish what you started and I have always wanted to leave my career off on a good not,” McClain said.
“I just had to be patient and wait my turn and put everything in God’s hands and let Him work his magic. It’s all part of God’s plan.”
McClain is hoping his journey with football is not over. He wasn’t to still try to get to the NFL and that is his next endeavor. He certainly has shown he has the fortitude to battle any adversity thrown in front of him.
“Whatever you start you gotta make sure you finish strong and that’s the best way for me to sum it up,” McClain said. “It was crazy. It was definitely a long journey. It was all worth it in the end.”
Chris Hays can be found on X.com@OS_ChrisHays.
