Patriots Super Bowl 51 Spotlight: Linebacker Shea McClellin
A free-agent pickup in the summer of 2016, linebacker Shea McClellin has become an important cog on the New England Patriots defense.
Over the years, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has had a knack of bringing out the best in reclamation projects. From the resurrection of Randy Moss to getting the best out of Kyle Van Noy, Belichick has seemingly done it all.
Go ahead and add Shea McClellin to the list.
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McClellin may not have the notoriety of Dont’a Hightower or Malcolm Butler, but he as an attitude that fits New England’s “Do Your Job” mantra to a ‘T’. Because of that, McClellin will find himself playing an integral part for the Patriots’ defense come Super Bowl Sunday.
After four disappointing seasons as a Chicago Bear, McClellin arrived in New England on a three-year, nine million dollar free agent contract. During his stay in Chicago, McClellin–the 19th pick in the 2012 draft–played defensive end, outside linebacker and middle linebacker.
His best season in Chicago was in 2015, which he had 81 tackles. Still, the Bears decided to move on from their former first-round pick.
McClellin initially struggled to get on the field for New England. His versatility–and the trade of Jamie Collins–allowed McClellin to make an impact on both defense and special teams.
He blocked two kicks on the season, including one in New England’s 30-23 victory over Baltimore.
McClellin also had a big play in the regular season finale, returning a fumble 69-yards against the Miami Dolphins.
On the season, the fifth-year linebacker has 41 tackles, 1 sack and two fumble recovers.
The versatility of McClellin has certainly factored into his play on the field, as has a winning tradition that dates back to college.
McClellin was a major part of a Boise State program that went 50-3 between 2008-11. Included in that was a 2009 Fiesta Bowl win over TCU.
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Though not the biggest name on the field, McClellin will be one of the many unsung names to watch out for come Sunday in Houston. Let’s hope he can add “Super Bowl Champion” to a list of what has already been an impressive lifetime football career.