Report: Alabama RB Jase McClellan 'expected' to declare for 2024 NFL Draft

According to Nick Kelly of The Tuscaloosa News, Alabama running back Jase McClellan is “expected” to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft. After waiting his turn for quite some time, McClellan took his opportunity to be the Crimson Tide’s top back this season.

“As of Saturday night, McClellan, Alabama’s starting running back in 2023, is expected to declare for the NFL Draft, sources have told The Tuscaloosa News,” Kelly said. “An official announcement is likely to be made soon.

“McClellan is a senior, but he could use one more year of eligibility if he wanted. Alabama has a crowded backfield, though, and McClellan already has a good amount of college tape for NFL scouts to see.”

McClellan was the leading rusher for Alabama this past season, going for 890 yards and eight touchdowns on 180 carries. There were big moments coming out of the backfield too, having 137 receiving yards on just 15 catches.

As Kelly mentioned, Alabama has a loaded running back room heading into next season. We got a glimpse of what Justice Haynes can be in the Rose Bowl against Michigan. Jam Miller is expected to play a bigger role in the offense too.

A win-win scenario for both sides, with McClellan having the opportunity to fulfill his dream of playing in the NFL while Alabama gets to use the young talent on the roster.

More on the 2024 NFL Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Michigan, with the first round on Thursday, April 25, the second and third rounds on Friday, April 26, and the fourth through seventh rounds on Saturday, April 27.

Players will have the opportunity to solidify their draft stock at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, to be held in Indianapolis, Indiana from February 26 through March 4.

The three-day event will be broadcasted throughout the weekend on ESPN and NFL Network.

To be eligible for the NFL Draft, players must be at least three years removed from their final year of high school while having used up their collegiate eligibility. Underclassmen are able to request league approval to become eligible for the draft, as are players who have graduated prior to using up all of their collegiate eligibility.

Last season, 69 players were granted special eligibility for the 2023 NFL Draft. 13 underclassmen who had completed their college degrees were also deemed eligible to be selected.

The deadline to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft is on January 15. NFL teams will receive a full list of eligible players in the class on January 19.