Jase McClellan Heads To NFL, Leaving A Void In Bama’s Backfield

The Alabama Crimson Tide are adding another running back to the ranks of the NFL. Senior Jase McClellan has declared for the 2024 NFL draft.

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McClellan's backfield mate, Roydell Williams, previously announced he would return to the Crimson Tide in 2024, but he later announced that he would enter the transfer portal.

The Crimson Tide will lose its top two rushers from 2023, with McClellan leading the team in rushing with 890 yards and 8 touchdowns. McClellan also contributed 137 receiving yards.

During his time at Alabama, McClellan had 1,981 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. He also shows his ability as a receiving back with 409 receiving yards and 6 receiving touchdowns. McClellan also returned one punt for 33 yards and a touchdown during 2021.

He had the ability to return to Alabama by using the extra year of eligibility granted during the COVID-19 pandemic but chose to enter the league instead.

McClellan will make Alabama's 9th NFL draft declaration this season.

Behind McClellan, Alabama's running back room will not be hurting for depth, but it will for experience. Jam Miller and Justice Haynes are expected to be Alabama's top 2 running backs, but neither have started a game for the Crimson Tide.

Miller is a sophomore and has rushed for 424 yards and three touchdowns during his time with the Crimson Tide. He is expected to handle most of the reps for Alabama in 2024.

His backfield mate, Justice Haynes, is expected to be a future superstar for the Crimson Tide. During his freshman season, Haynes rushed for 168 yards and two touchdowns.

Behind Miller and Haynes is when the experience gets thin. Richard Young is a talented back who came in the same class as Haynes, but he has just 24 yards and one touchdown.

Alabama added two running backs to its 2024 class in Tuscaloosa County RB Kevin Riley and Meridian High School RB Daniel Hill. Both will be true freshmen in 2024.