Hard to believe, but we are officially under 100 days until the Broncos storm the Capital to take on the Hokies. As you may remember, last summer we embarked on the Herculean task of counting down a different roster spot for each remaining day until kickoff. Well, I burned out after about 30 days and the countdown was spotty at best until the Ducks rolled into town. I've recommitted myself this offseason however, and I'm shooting for 100 percent this time around.
We've got 92 days until kickoff...so today we'll be taking a look at number 92 on the Bronco roster—Shea McClellin
#92, Shea McClellin, Junior, DE
Stats
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 262 lbs.
High School: Marsing High School, Marsing, ID
How'd he get to The Blue™?
Don't laugh, but McClellin might be the best all-around athlete on the entire Boise State team. McClellin was a three-sport star at Marsing High School where, as a senior, he rushed for nearly 1,900 yards and 22 TDs, made 126 tackles, six INTs and scored another 7 TDs on defense. Then basketball season rolled around and he averaged nearly 17 points and 12 rebounds per game. Oh yeah, his junior year on the diamond he batted .453, drove in 21 runs and stole 10 bases. The Bronco coaches knew, that despite playing at a small school in Idaho, the kid was a freak athlete who, with a little coaching, could become a big-time player in a short-time. Luckily for us, it appears that only the Bronco coaches felt that way, as they extended McClellin his only scholarship offer. McClellin signed with the Broncos in the '07 class, grayshirted, and joined the Broncos in January of 2008.
Nickname
The Norseman [thuh norss man]
The last name screams Scottish, but look at the kid...he looks like he should be swinging an ax and drinking flagons of ale.
Look-alike
The "That thing got a Hemi?" guy
Career Highlights
6 tackles against Bowling Green and Idaho in 2009. Interception against Utah State. Running down shifty RB Robbie Rouse after a 30 yard gain at Fresno (still amazed at that one). Blocked field goal at Oregon and forced 3 fumbles in 2008.
Career Lowlight
Suffering season-ending leg injury against Idaho in 2008.
2010 Prospectus
McClellin was looking good in 2008 as a redshirt-frosh, racking up 14 tackles, a sack, and 3 forced fumbles, before his season was cut short in the 10th game of the year against Idaho. The block thrown by Idaho's Adam Korby was low and took McClellin's leg completely the wrong way—and just like that, Shea's promising Bronco career was thrown into doubt. Leg injuries are scary for football players...some end careers while others leave the players with weakened joints, bones, and ligaments that make re-injury likely. So, I think it's safe to say, no one really knew what kind of shape the local product would be in in 2009. Well, McClellin calmed everyone's fears about his rehab and fitness level last season as he played in 13 of the Broncos 14 games (starting 11); registering 36 tackles (6 for loss), 3 quarterback sacks, 2 pass breakups, and an INT. Without a doubt, McClellin got better and better as the season progressed...at times looking like the best Bronco DE on the field. It's this fact that has many so excited to see what he dials up in 2010. WIth All-Conference Ryan Winterswyk back for his senior season, and McClellin becoming a terror in his own right, the Bronco DE corps will easily be the best in the conference if not the entire west. Look for McClellin and Winterswyk to be the main starters at the ends, with Root, Crawford, Marshall and Alexander providing backup, fresh legs, and different looks for unlucky OTs. McClellin should improve his sack numbers this year also, and continue be the D-line's main fumble-maker...and I'd expect at least 40 tackles from the tow-headed giant.
Completely made up fact
After the 2010 Fiesta Bowl win, Shea was given the "key to the city" from the Mayor of Marsing. It's really just an Allen Wrench.