Jase McClellan Bio
Jase McClellan, born June 25, 2002, in Aledo, Texas, is an American professional football running back. He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide, where he won a College Football Playoff national championship as a freshman. Selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL draft, McClellan continues his professional career in the National Football League.
Early Life and Background
Jase McClellan grew up in Aledo, Texas, a small community west of Fort Worth known for producing high school football talent. He attended Aledo High School, where he became one of the most decorated running backs in program history. Across his high school career, McClellan amassed 6,468 rushing yards and 122 touchdowns, establishing himself as a premier recruit in the state of Texas.
His senior season performances earned him a selection to the 2020 Under Armour All-American Game, one of the most prestigious high school football showcases in the country. The recognition placed him among the top running back prospects in his recruiting class. Originally, McClellan committed to the University of Oklahoma before ultimately flipping his pledge to the University of Alabama, a decision that shaped the next phase of his football journey.
Path to American Football
McClellan’s path to high-level football began at Aledo High School, where he developed into a workhorse running back capable of carrying a heavy offensive load. His combination of vision, balance, and finishing ability near the goal line translated into record-setting production. The recruiting attention that followed reflected his standing as one of the top high school players in Texas.
After selecting the University of Alabama over Oklahoma, McClellan joined a Crimson Tide program with a deep tradition of producing NFL-caliber running backs. The opportunity to compete in the Southeastern Conference and chase national titles accelerated his development. By the time he arrived in Tuscaloosa, McClellan was already regarded as a prospect with the physical tools and football IQ to contribute early.
Jase McClellan Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
As a true freshman at Alabama in 2020, McClellan appeared in 14 games and contributed on a national championship roster. He rushed 23 times for 245 yards and two touchdowns, providing a change-of-pace option behind more established backs. His role on a title-winning team gave him early exposure to high-stakes postseason football.
His sophomore season in 2021 was disrupted by a torn ACL suffered during the year, which limited him to five games. McClellan finished the campaign with 40 carries for 191 yards and one touchdown before the injury ended his season. The recovery period required patience and dedication, but he returned healthy for the 2022 season and resumed his role in the Crimson Tide backfield.
Alabama Breakthrough (2020–2023)
Following his ACL recovery, McClellan returned as a starter in 2022 and helped anchor an Alabama rushing attack that remained among the most productive in college football. He carried the workload with consistency, demonstrating the durability and toughness that had defined his high school career. His presence allowed the Crimson Tide to maintain a balanced offensive identity throughout the season.
Across his Alabama tenure from 2020 through 2023, McClellan contributed to a program that consistently competed for conference and national championships. He developed under a coaching staff known for producing professional talent at the running back position. By the end of his college career, he had built a reputation as a reliable, between-the-tackles runner with the ability to finish drives.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Era (2025–Present)
After spending his rookie season with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, McClellan was released by the club on June 17, 2025. He signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 12, 2025, joining a competitive NFC South backfield. The Buccaneers added him as part of their training camp plans to evaluate depth and competition at the running back position.
McClellan was waived by Tampa Bay on August 26, 2025, as part of the league’s final roster cuts. He remains a young running back with both college pedigree and an NFL rookie season on his resume, leaving the door open for future opportunities. His professional trajectory continues to develop as he works to establish a sustained role at the highest level.
Driving Style and Strengths
McClellan is recognized for a physical, north-south running style that emphasizes balance, leg drive, and the ability to absorb contact. He excels in short-yardage and goal-line situations thanks to his compact frame and finishing toughness. His vision between the tackles and willingness to commit to his blocking scheme make him a reliable option in structured rushing attacks.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of McClellan’s career came during his freshman season at Alabama in 2020, when he was part of a Crimson Tide team that won the College Football Playoff national championship. The title remains a centerpiece of his early football résumé. He also earned selection to the 2020 Under Armour All-American Game following a record-setting high school career at Aledo.
Jase McClellan Career Wins
At the professional level, McClellan’s win totals are limited, as he recorded 32 rushing yards during his 2024 rookie season with the Atlanta Falcons. His statistical production in the NFL is still developing. His most celebrated victories to date remain tied to his college career and the team accomplishments that shaped his reputation as a winner.
Alabama Highlights
McClellan’s most prominent team victory came in 2020 when the Alabama Crimson Tide won the College Football Playoff national championship. As a true freshman, he was part of a roster that finished the season at the top of college football. He also contributed to multiple SEC-contending campaigns before declaring for the 2024 NFL draft.
Other Wins and Performances
At the high school level, McClellan helped lead Aledo High School to consistent success behind his record-setting 6,468 rushing yards and 122 touchdowns. His performances in the 2020 Under Armour All-American Game showcased his skills on a national stage. These accomplishments set the foundation for his transition to Alabama and, eventually, the NFL.
Jase McClellan Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
McClellan grew up in Aledo, Texas, and developed his football identity within a community renowned for its high school football tradition. The Aledo football program has produced multiple college and professional players, giving McClellan a competitive environment from a young age. His family supported his development as he progressed from local fields to one of the most powerful programs in college football.
Personal Life
McClellan keeps his personal life largely out of the public eye as he focuses on his professional football career. He is known to be from Aledo, Texas, where his family ties remain a grounding influence. As of the most recent verified information, he is not publicly known to be married.
2025 Season Performance
McClellan’s 2025 season began with a release from the Atlanta Falcons on June 17, ending his tenure with the team that drafted him in 2024. The move gave him a fresh opportunity to find a fit in a different offensive system. He quickly signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 12, joining a backfield that valued competition and depth.
His time with the Buccaneers was brief, as he was waived on August 26, 2025, during final roster cuts. The transaction placed him back in the pool of available running backs with both collegiate and NFL experience. Although the 2025 calendar did not yield a regular-season role, his training camp performance gave him exposure to the Tampa Bay coaching staff and offensive scheme.
Looking ahead, McClellan enters the remainder of 2025 as a young back with a College Football Playoff national championship on his résumé and an NFL rookie season behind him. His combination of physicality, experience in a pro-style scheme, and championship pedigree makes him a candidate for future opportunities. The focus for the rest of the year will be staying ready, refining his craft, and positioning himself for a return to a regular-season roster.