Position: Defensive End/Outside Linebacker
Height/Weight: 6’2″/254 lbs.
Age: 24/Experience: Rookie
College: Marshall
Analysis: The Ravens signed McClellan as a rookie free agent on May 6, 2010 to add some more depth to their linebackers. In his five-year career at Marshall, McClellan was a three-time captain and appeared in 48 games, starting 42. He redshirted the 2007 season after suffering a season-ending knee injury during the preseason, but came back the following season with no apparent setbacks.
His career numbers at Marshall were outstanding, totaling 230 tackles (99 solo), 39.5 tackles for loss, 19.5 sacks, 11 pass deflections, seven forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. McClellan was considered the best linebacker prospect to come out of Kathleen Senior HS in Lakeland, Fla. since his teammate Ray Lewis graduated from the same school. He has a very quick first step that makes him very hard to block and he has a motor that never seems to stop running.
2010 Outlook: It’s hard to say how much playing time McClellan will get in 2010, if any at all. He has been impressive in training camp so far, bringing constant pressure from the outside, which is something the Ravens desperately need this season. In a group of linebackers it could be easy to get lost in; McClellan has done his best to stand out. He could end up making the team and getting some time on special teams, which isn’t the worst thing in the world. If McClellan continues to put in the hard work he has been so far in training camp, he could eventually earn some time on the field playing linebacker. With injuries being a big part of the game as well, it wouldn’t be too far-fetched to say he has the potential to get his chance as early as this season.
Submitted by Steve Giles
