Alabama senior RB Jase McClellan announces NFL draft decision

Alabama senior running back Jase McClellan has officially declared for the 2024 NFL Draft.

“For the last four years, I have been blessed with the opportunity to play football at The University of Alabama,” said McClellan in a statement. “Without God leading me down this path, through all the ups and downs, none of this would be possible. I am so thankful for all the blessings and opportunities he has given me in life that have brought me to this point.

“I would also not be where I am at today without my family and friends. I am lucky to have y’all by my side, always believing in me and providing me with unlimited support, advice and anything else that I needed along this journey.

“To Coach Saban – thank you for allowing me to live out my dreams at this amazing place. Thank you for providing me with an opportunity to play at Alabama, for always believing in me during my time here and, most importantly, for helping to make me the man that I am today. Not only did I get to play football for the Crimson Tide, but I also achieved my goal of graduating from college. The coaches, staff and teammates that I have met here are ones that I will cherish and remember forever.

“But, after some long talks with my family, I believe that the next chapter of my life is here now. I have officially decided to take another step forward in pursuing my dreams, and I will be declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft. Thank you, Bama Nation, for all your support and forever Roll Tide!”

While McClellan could have taken advantage of a free year of eligibility, he is turning pro after four seasons at Alabama. The running back appeared in 43 games over the last four years and finished 19 yards shy of 2,000 for his career. Coming back from a season-ending knee injury in 2021, McClellan was the Crimson Tide’s No. 2 running back in 2022 and rushed for 655 yards and seven touchdowns on 112 carries, averaging 5.8 yards per tote, as a junior.

The Aledo, Texas, native rose to the starting running back role this past season and paced the Alabama offense with 890 yards and eight touchdowns on 180 attempts. He played in 13 games and made 12 starts, missing only the SEC Championship Game due to a foot injury. McClellan bounced back in time for the Rose Bowl, where he rushed for two scores. He capped his career with 1,981 rushing yards, 409 receiving yards and 24 total touchdowns.

McClellan was part of the Tide’s 2020 recruiting haul and was a late addition to the class after he flipped from Oklahoma. The Lone Star State star was rated as the nation’s 47th-best recruit and the sixth-best running back in the 2020 cycle, per the On3 Industry Rankings.

With McClellan turning pro and fellow senior Roydell Williams entering the NCAA transfer portal, Alabama will turn to junior Jamarion Miller and sophomore Justice Haynes out of the backfield. Richard Young, a redshirt freshman, could also be in the mix, and the Crimson Tide signed two 4-star running backs in the 2024 class in Kevin Riley and Daniel Hill.

The 2024 NFL Draft is set for Thursday, April 25, through Saturday, April 27, in Detroit.

Alabama players who declared for the draft

Darrian Dalcourt, OL
Jaylen Key, DB
Will Reichard, PK
Dallas Turner, LB
JC Latham, OL
Chris Braswell, LB
Justin Eboigbe, DL
Kool-Aid McKinstry, DB
Trezmen Marshall, LB
Jermaine Burton, WR
Terrion Arnold, DB
Jase McClellan, RB

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