Haddon Heights coach Jeff Eppright sees that attitude as one of McCleery's greatest attributes.
The longtime coach said he treats the senior almost as one of his assistants - and he expects his players to do the same.
"If I have to step away from a practice, he can run the team," Eppright said.
But McCleery is more than just the Garnets' leader. He's the backbone of one of the best defenses in South Jersey. And, along with junior goalkeeper Jon Weaver, McCleery is Haddon Heights' best hope as it defends its South Jersey Group 2 title.
"Last year, we had some young players on defense," McCleery said. "This year, we know what we have to do and what we have to live up to."
The Garnets return seven starters but must replace the production of George Gans, who graduated. Gans netted 31 goals in 2010, including a goal and an assist in the team's 2-1 win over Delran in the South Jersey final.
Haddon Heights' defense is faced with living up to its own reputation.
The Garnets boast aggressive outside backs and one of the area's best defensive midfielders in McCleery.
"I think our outside backs, and Austin, know how to man-mark as well as anyone in the conference," Weaver said.
The team recorded 12 shutouts last season, one shy of the school's single-season record.
Much of that play was expected. What took most of South Jersey by surprise were the poise and leadership that Weaver displayed as a sophomore goalkeeper.
"It is rare to see a sophomore come in and really be a leader back there," Eppright said. "But Jon has confidence in himself. He's a great tactician. And he's not afraid to come out and go after the ball. He did a stellar job last season, and he should continue to take steps as this season progresses."
Weaver echoed his coach, saying that he's always had confidence in himself. It's part of the reason, Weaver said, that he was able to play his best soccer in the team's biggest moments.
