Larry McCloud’s son Branson continues his father’s legacy in sports as a pitcher for Marshall’s baseball team.
Larry McCloud was a legendary linebacker for the Marshall Thundering Herd football team.
A native of Wayne County, West Virginia, he left an indelible mark on the football field during his career.
Football Legend Larry Is Survived By His Beloved Wife And Their Children, Including Branson!
As a senior at Buffalo Wayne High School, Larry was named West Virginia High School Player of the Year.
Known for his ferocious tackles and leadership, he played a pivotal role in Marshall’s success in the mid-1990s during Marshall’s transition from NCAA Division I-AA to Division I-A.
McCloud led Marshall to victory in the 1996 NCAA Division I-AA championship with 150 tackles, including 97 solo tackles.
Over his four-year career, he averaged nearly 120 tackles per season.
When the team moved to Division I-A the following year, he once again led with 143 tackles, earning All-MAC honors as Marshall won the league title.
One of his most memorable moments was a ferocious hit during the 1997 Motor City Bowl against Ole Miss. With 451 career tackles, he recorded the third-highest total in Marshall’s history.
He ranked third in program history for total tackles, 16th in tackles for loss, 13th in forced fumbles, and sixth in fumble recoveries.
His contributions to the sport earned him a place in the Marshall Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009.
Unfortunately, he passed away after battling an illness, though specific details about his health condition have not been disclosed
A Herd Football Legend passed today. One of the most fierce and hardest-hitting Linebackers in Herd history.
— The ThunderCast 🦬⚡️🦬 (@ThunderCast_Pod) March 23, 2025
🦬 ‘96 National Champ
🦬 2x All-SoCon
🦬 ‘97 MAC Champ
🦬 All-MAC
🦬 Herd HoF 2009
And owner one of THE best hits ever… Rest easy Larry McCloud pic.twitter.com/nRgwFgEQBh
His family, friends, and well-wishers are mourning his loss and celebrating his unforgettable achievements.
Bob Pruett, McCloud’s coach, expressed his sorrow, stating:
we lost one of our greatest players but we lost an even a better person. We loved him and still love his great family. My heart is broken.
Another individual fondly remembered Larry McCloud’s exceptional skills during his high school years.
He described him as an outstanding player, saying:
I read that Larry passed away this weekend from an illness. He was a heck of a high school (Buffalo Wayne) player and at Marshall. He leaves behind his wife and three kids, his son is a pitcher for Marshall’s baseball team.
His passing is a significant loss to the sports community, and our thoughts are with his wife, Stephanie, and their children during this difficult time.
Rest In Peace, Legend!
Larry McCloud’s Son Is Following In His Footsteps And Excelling In Baseball!
Larry’s son Branson McCloud, born on April 13, 2003, is a talented baseball player currently associated with Marshall University.
Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 195 pounds, he plays as a left-handed pitcher.
During his high school career at Spring Valley, he earned recognition as a two-time First Team All-State player and was named Conference Player of the Year.
These accolades highlight his exceptional skills and contributions to the sport.
Branson, a left-handed pitcher for Marshall, shared a touching tribute to his father on his Instagram.
He posted a heartfelt story with a picture of his father and the words, “Rest in peace, Dad.”
In Case You Didn’t Know
- After redshirting a previous year, Branson is in his first official year of playing college baseball.
- His coach at Marshall University is Greg Beals, who leads the baseball team as the head coach.
