On Monday, Rutgers football added four-star linebacker DJ McClary to their 2025 recruiting class. T
he 6-foot-1, 211-pound prospect from Henry Snyder High School in Jersey City, New Jersey offers a ton of upside at the linebacker position. He is the latest commitment in a class for Rutgers that has hge upside.
McClary has various skills to stop the run and pass, using his speed to his advantage. He has excellent instincts which will let him thrive at the Power Five level. The future Scarlet Knight can diagnose plays quickly and run outside to make tackles. His reaction speed and athleticism will fit nicely in head coach Greg Schiano and defensive coordinator Joe Harasymiak’s 4-2-5 defensive scheme.
In the 4-2-5 defensive formation, tackling, speed, and strength are key when playing the middle linebacker position. McClary can close in on plays quickly and chase down ball carriers. He has excellent lateral quickness, allowing him to change directions.
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McClary has plenty of physicality, allowing him to shine in the Big Ten Conference. Using the proper tackling technique, the No. 6 ranked New Jersey prospect lowers the boom when needed. McClary keeps his head up, initiating contact with his chest and shoulder pads, while wrapping his arms around the ball carrier.
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As McClary continues to develop toward the Power Five level, he has to focus on his strength and size. He is undersized for a Big Ten middle linebacker, weighing only 211 pounds. If McClary wants to shine in the Big Ten, putting on size and strength will allow him to do so.