Jase McClellan enters his senior year with the Crimson Tide as the projected started running back and expectations are high. The quarterback situation for Alabama is unclear as a three-man competition will likely bleed into the regular season, which impacts the offense as a whole. McClellan will carry a heavy burden as the veteran running back and will lead the ground game.
Surely, help will be there. True freshman Justice Haynes seems poised for a legitimate role in 2023 and Roydell Williams is also likely to see carries. However, McClellan will be the top back.
After suffering a season-ending injury early in the 2021 season, he bounced back in 2022 and served as the team’s RB2 behind Jahmyr Gibbs. Last season, McClellan had 112 carries for 655 yards and seven rushing touchdowns. He also had 14 receptions for 174 yards and three touchdowns.
Patrick Conn of College Sports Wire recently revealed his running back rankings for the SEC. McClellan comes in at No. 5.
“Despite the fact that Alabama had Jahmyr Gibbs in the backfield last season, McClellan was still really productive in a reserve role,” writes Conn. “This year it should be McClellan who is playing the lead back ahead of Roydell Williams, Jam Miller, and Justice Haynes. However, watch for Haynes to move up the depth chart.”
With the high level of uncertainty in the offense, as it stands today, McClellan will have a significant role in 2023 and could be vital to the success of the Crimson Tide.
Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Jase McClellan and Alabama football as the 2023 offseason progresses.
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