McClendon enjoyed a standout high school career at Glynn Academy, where he was a three-year letterman in football and also a two-year letterman in both basketball and track and field. McClendon was also a team captain for both the football and track teams.

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McClendon went on play football at the University of Georgia, where he became an All-American running back for the Bulldogs and was named the 1978 SEC Player of the Year. He was also a three-year letterman for the Bulldogs and continues to rank in the top 10 on several all-time rushing lists at Georgia.

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In 1978, McClendon, a team captain for the Bulldogs, ran for 1,312 yards to break the school single-season rushing record then held by former Heisman Trophy winner Frank Sinkwich. Two years later, McClendon’s new record would be topped by freshman sensation Herschel Walker.

 Following his UGA career, McClendon was drafted by the Chicago Bears with the 66th overall pick in the third round of the NFL draft. He played four seasons with the Bears from 1979-82, backing up legendary running back Walter Payton. McClendon also played professionally with the Jacksonville Bulls of the USFL.

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McClendon was an assistant coach at Georgia from 1989 through 1993. McClendon’s son, Bryan, was a standout wide receiver at Georgia and now serves as running backs coach for the Bulldogs.

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McClendon is a member of the Glynn Academy Hall of Fame, Georgia-Florida Hall of Fame and the NFL Northeast Chapter Hall of Fame