2024 Exclusive Sneak Peek: Jase McClellan, RB Alabama
Welcome to the Exclusive Sneak Peek: Jase McClellan, a 4-star running back recruit from Aledo High School in Aledo, Texas. McClellan was an All-American in 2020 after posting nearly 6500 rushing yards and 122 touchdowns over his impressive high school career. He committed to the University of Alabama.
As a part of the Crimson Tide’s backfield, McClellan was brought along slowly. During his freshman and sophomore seasons, he played behind several successful NFL backs Najee Harris, Brian Robinson, and Jahmyr Gibbs. He was finally given the chance to lead a committee in 2023, however, he was only able to achieve modest production in both the running and receiving game.
McClellan is an intriguing prospect who can become an NFL success. But given his lack of playing time and production in one of the nation’s best programs, it’s a mystery just how he’ll best develop at the next level.
Measurables
Height: 5’11” (57th-percentile)
Weight: 212 lbs (46th-percentile)
Age: 21.8
Class: Senior
NCAA Statistics
| Rushing | Receiving | Scrimmage | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | School | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Att | Yds | Avg | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | TD | Plays | Yds | Avg | TD |
| *2020 | Alabama | SEC | FR | RB | 12 | 23 | 245 | 10.7 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1.0 | 0 | 24 | 246 | 10.3 | 2 |
| *2021 | Alabama | SEC | SO | RB | 5 | 40 | 191 | 4.8 | 1 | 10 | 97 | 9.7 | 3 | 50 | 288 | 5.8 | 4 |
| *2022 | Alabama | SEC | JR | 13 | 112 | 655 | 5.8 | 7 | 14 | 174 | 12.4 | 3 | 126 | 829 | 6.6 | 10 | |
| *2023 | Alabama | SEC | SR | RB | 13 | 180 | 890 | 4.9 | 8 | 15 | 137 | 9.1 | 0 | 195 | 1027 | 5.3 | 8 |
| Career | Alabama | 355 | 1981 | 5.6 | 18 | 40 | 409 | 10.2 | 6 | 395 | 2390 | 6.1 | 24 | ||||
Scouting Reports
Strengths
- A tough runner who isn’t easily brought down.
- Hits the hole quickly with good acceleration.
- Very elusive in space with excellent speed.
- Can be effective between the tackles or get the edge.
- Good vision and contact balance.
- Decent pass protector with good hands in the receiving game.
Weaknesses
- Needs to be more patient and let blocks develop in front of him.
- Not much of a route runner.
- Plays more like a power runner, but lacks the size to exert his will.
Pre-Draft Analysis
Expected Draft Capital: Round 5
Ideal Landing Spot: Denver Broncos
If a team doesn’t fall in love with McClellan – which is entirely possible – he’s likely to be firmly rooted on Day 3 of the NFL Draft. And if he’s available in Round 5, the Denver Broncos have two picks in that round to help solidify their RB room.
The Broncos would be interested in this type of move because, with a ton of need on their roster, McClellan offers a cheaper depth piece to act as Javonte Williams’s insurance. If he’s not able to regain his pre-injury form of two years ago, McClellan could offer a spark in the passing game and as a home run threat out of the backfield. Though Jaleel McLaughlin was able to add that element at times, McClellan is a significantly bigger back who could provide the same level of play with some inside running chops as well. Denver would likely see him as a multi-positional backup to begin his career, with the upside to grow into a meaningful role.
McClellan getting the chance to operate and grow in a Sean Payton offense would be great for his long-term value. And, given the injury history of Williams and the age of Samaje Perine, he can soon become the lead back in the right circumstances. Payton would value his versatility, while McLaughlin, though good, would be unlikely to hold him back from meaningful work.
Check out The Fantasy Football Universe video breakdown of Jase McClellan below.
