Chris McClellan, a four-star defensive tackle in the 2022 recruiting class, committed to Florida live Tuesday on CBS Sports HQ. McClellan, a 6-foot-3, 295-pounder from Owasso (Oklahoma) High School, is ranked as the No. 101 overall player in the 247Sports Composite and the 18th-ranked defensive tackle in the class. He chose the Gators over Oklahoma, Alabama, Ohio State and USC.
McClelland decided on the Gators despite the fact that coach Dan Mullen was fired by the school on Sunday.
Gabe Brooks, midland region recruiting analyst for 247Sports, provided this scouting report on McClellan.
"Big-framed interior defensive lineman who could fit varying roles in multiple fronts," Brooks wrote. "Good height coupled with very good length. Owns virtually college-ready size but wears mass well and can fit more bulk as required thanks to long-armed build. Ample snaps as a hand-on-the-ground end, standing edge, and interior defender. Functional athleticism repeatedly impresses. Fairly quick off the ball in most cases. A real handful at the point of attack. Heavy-handed with toss-away and stack-and-shed strength in one-on-one matchups.
"Plays with above-average body control relative to mass and position projection. Displays a fairly tight turning radius for a near-300-pounder. Lateral range is good and supported by impressive shuttle times relative to size. Closes well and also shows redirect agility in pursuit. Powerful bull rusher who's shown some counter-move nuance, but is still expanding his move set. Can improve pad level consistency and tighten up balance as leverage and center of gravity lower. Often arrives high as a tackler. Catches traffic at times and can improve hand violence/technique to hasten disengagement. High-major defensive lineman with terrific natural physical tools and athleticism. Projects as a potential multi-year impact starter at the Power Five level with a long-term NFL Draft ceiling."
McClellan had made official visits to all five of his finalists since the recruiting dead period was lifted on June 1. He is the 12th member of the Gators recruiting class, although that is a fluid number considering the new staff will likely be coming in prior to the early signing period.