Dante McClellan
#22

Dante McClellan

LB Missouri Missouri Freshman

Bio

Height 6'1"
Weight 216 lbs
Hometown Canton, OH
High School McKinley
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Recruiting

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Class of 2025
#350 National
0.8998 Rating

Scouting Report

A
90 / 100 Ceiling 90 • Floor 82
year 1 contributor NFL Rd 5

Dante McClellan is a 4-star linebacker prospect from Canton McKinley with a strong composite rating of 0.8998, ranking #350 nationally. His commitment to Missouri despite limited reported P5 recruitment suggests he may be an undervalued talent with significant upside that fits well within the Tigers' defensive scheme.

Physical Profile

At the linebacker position with a composite rating approaching 0.90, McClellan likely possesses the requisite size and athleticism for the position at the college level. His ranking at #350 nationally indicates above-average physical tools, though specific measurables would provide better insight into his frame and movement skills. Coming from Canton McKinley, a traditionally strong Ohio high school program, suggests he's been well-coached against quality competition.

Play Style

Based on his strong composite rating and national ranking, McClellan likely displays solid instincts and reliable tackling technique. His recruitment profile suggests he's a fundamentally sound linebacker who makes plays within the scheme rather than a high-ceiling athlete who creates splash plays. Probably shows good recognition skills and takes proper angles to the ball.

Strengths

  • Strong composite rating of 0.8998 indicates well-rounded skill set with few glaring weaknesses
  • National ranking of #350 places him in upper tier of prospects, suggesting combination of size, speed, and football IQ
  • Canton McKinley pedigree provides strong fundamental base and experience against quality Ohio high school competition

Areas to Improve

  • Limited P5 recruitment despite strong ratings suggests potential concerns with consistency or specific technical skills
  • Will need to adapt to increased speed and complexity of SEC-level offensive schemes at Missouri

College Projection

Should compete for playing time within 2-3 years at Missouri, with potential to be a multi-year contributor. His composite rating suggests he has the tools to develop into a solid SEC linebacker with proper development. Could see special teams action early while learning the defensive system.

NFL Outlook

As a 4-star prospect, McClellan has developmental NFL potential if he maximizes his college career. His current ranking suggests he'll need to show significant improvement in college to generate professional interest, likely requiring standout SEC performance to reach draft consideration.

Best Fit

Missouri appears to be an excellent fit - a program that can develop his skills without overwhelming expectations early. Would thrive in a system that emphasizes discipline and gap integrity over exotic blitzing schemes, allowing him to showcase his fundamental strengths while developing advanced skills.

Player Comparison

Blake Martinez Stanford • Green Bay Packers/New York Giants 85% match

Martinez shares very similar physical traits at 6'2" 237 lbs with comparable instinctive play and fundamentally sound technique. Both were solid 4-star recruits who weren't elite athletes but excelled through football IQ, reliable tackling, and making plays within the defensive scheme rather than creating splash plays. Martinez's steady, workmanlike approach and ability to diagnose plays quickly mirrors McClellan's projected playing style as a fundamentally sound linebacker.

Season Stats - 2025

Defensive

1 PD
1 QB HUR
0 SACKS
1 SOLO
1 TD
0 TFL
7 TOT

Interceptions

83 AVG
1 INT
1 TD
83 YDS

Career History

2026
Missouri #22 LB - Freshman
2025
Missouri #22 LB - Freshman