Alabama senior and leading RB Jase McClellan declares for NFL Draft

Alabama’s running back room will be a lot different next fall. After Roydell Williams opted to transfer, lead rusher Jase McClellan declared for the NFL Draft.

McClellan announced his decision on social media: “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.”

UA will rely on Jam Miller and Justice Haynes, along with Richard Young, to pair with Jalen Milroe on offense next fall. It was able to benefit from two senior rushers. In McClellan’s case, he totaled a career-high 180 carries for 890 yards and eight touchdowns.

McClellan came to Tuscaloosa as a top-100 running back from Aledo, Texas. He then worked from special teams to consistent carries in the backfield, scoring his first touchdown against Kentucky. McClellan scored five touchdowns in five games in an injury-shortened 2021 before taking a role as Jahmyr Gibbs’ backup in 2022.

This year, McClellan was a consistent factor in the passing and rushing game, battling a foot injury for the first 1,000-yard offensive season in his career. McClellan missed the SEC Championship, returning for 14 carries, 87 yards and two touchdowns in the Rose Bowl. Across 44 games, McClellan totaled 2,390 yards and 24 touchdowns.

Between McClellan, Williams, Jermaine Burton and Malik Benson, UA will need to account for 23 touchdowns next fall. On the ground, fans got a chance to see the underclassmen UA has had waiting to replace McClellan and Williams.

In the case of Miller, he ran for 201 yards on 41 carries. Haynes, a former five-star freshman, produced 168 yards, including 31 against Michigan. Speaking with reporters last week, Haynes credited the leadership of both Williams and McClellan for his development.

Alabama will have to replace four offensive starters, McClellan, Benson, Burton and center Seth McLaughlin — and another eight between defense and special teams. Saban will also need to hire a new defensive coordinator, wide receivers coach and special teams coordinator.