Lead rusher Jase McClellan of Alabama has joined the Tide’s NFL draft exodus.
Alabama’s Tuscaloosa (AP) — With Alabama rushing back Jase McClellan declaring for the NFL draft, the Crimson Tide will start the upcoming season without their two best rushers.
McClellan made his choice public on social media on Tuesday. Roydell Williams, the number two rusher, had already logged onto the transfer website.
In 2023, McClellan had the most prolific of his four years with Alabama, running for 890 yards and eight touchdowns, a team high.
I will always treasure and remember the teammates, coaches, and staff I have met here,” McClellan wrote. “However, I think the next chapter of my life is now here after having some lengthy conversations with my family.”
Along with linebackers Dallas Turner and Chris Braswell, cornerbacks Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold, wide receiver Jermaine Burton, and offensive tackle JC Latham, he is one of several colleagues who have chosen to enter the draft.
Due to a foot ailment, McClellan was unable to play in the SEC championship game against Georgia; however, he did play well in the Rose Bowl.
In the defeat to Michigan, which went on to win the national title, he had 14 carries for 87 yards and two touchdowns. He added 15 receptions for 137 yards.
During his time in college, McClellan ran for 1,981 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Jamarion Miller (215 yards) and Justice Haynes (160 yards) are the top returning running backs.
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Early 2024 rankings for Alabama football: Where is the Crimson Tide ranked in the top 25 for the upcoming campaign?
Despite the fact that Alabama’s season did not finish as planned, college football is a year-round sport.
After Michigan’s victory over Washington on Monday to win a national title, it’s time to start thinking ahead to the 2024 college football season, which should be another exciting one for the Tide.
There’s no reason to believe Nick Saban won’t be back in Tuscaloosa, since the Alabama recruiting class is ranked second in the nation by 247Sports Composite, just behind Georgia. Julian Sayin, a quarterback prospect, is one of them, but veteran quarterback Jalen Milroe will also be returning.
REQUIRED READING: Alabama football’s position in the final 2023 coaches poll’s top 25
With Kevin Steele allegedly resigning, the position of defensive coordinator is currently under dispute. Nevertheless, coordinator talent is in high demand at Alabama, especially on the defensive side, so don’t count for Alabama to fall short in that regard. The Tide’s “next-man-up” mindset should hold true even though Kool-Aid McKinstry, Dallas Turner, and Terrion Arnold are three elite defensive players that Alabama loses.
Therefore, it shouldn’t be shocking that Georgia and Alabama are seen as contenders for the upcoming season. All things considered, the Crimson Tide is a top-five team, and it even comes in first in some of the “way-too-early” top 25 polls conducted by the industry.
Alabama’s path is further paved by the 12-team playoff next season, though the full effects of that are yet unknown. Will there be greater parity in college football as a result of the expansion? Or will the days of the SEC’s hegemony come back?
Those will be very unclear questions till much later. However, Alabama is expected to be a significant threat going ahead.
COLUMN: Alabama football dodges another gut punch from the transfer portal. While it lasts | Goodbread
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