College football recruiting: Dante McClellan of Canton McKinley commits to Missouri Tigers
CANTON — As he prepared to pose for a picture with Dante McClellan, Antonio Hall's McKinley-vs.-Massillon sensibilities kicked in.
"I can't say, 'Go Tigers,'" the Bulldogs head football coach said with a laugh. "But I can say, 'Go Mizzou.'"
McClellan, the Canton McKinley star linebacker, verbally committed to the University of Missouri on Monday during a press conference at Memorial Field House. After thanking many of the people in his life, from coaches and teammates to friends and family, McClellan played a highlight video (see above) that revealed his college choice: the SEC's Tigers.
McClellan, a four-star recruit and the 13th ranked prospect in the state of Ohio for the 2025 class according to Rivals, listed Missouri, Michigan State, Kentucky, Tennessee and Louisville as his final five last week when he announced that he would make his decision on Monday. Those five were among his 22 Division I offers, which also included schools such as Southern Cal, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Pitt and Minnesota.
Missouri entered the picture late, not offering until February. But head coach Eliah Drinkwitz and co-defensive coordinator D.J. Smith (also the Tigers' recruiting coordinator) made a quick impression
"I feel like it was the right fit because Missouri made it known that I was wanted and needed," McClellan said. "Coach D.J. is a great coach and Coach Drink is a great coach. I fell in love with both of them and I feel like I have a great relationship with both of them."
It is an exciting time for Missouri football.
The Tigers went 11-2 last year, capping the season with a 14-3 Cotton Bowl win against Ohio State. They were ranked No. 8 nationally in the final Associated Press Poll. Drinkwitz, the 2023 SEC Coach of the Year, had his contract extended through 2028.
The school recently announced plans for $250 million in renovations to its home field, Memorial Stadium. Those plans are set to be complete by 2026.
Hall laughed about taking McClellan to an Ohio State practice as the Buckeyes prepared to face Missouri in the Cotton Bowl. They sat in on meetings, listening to scouting reports on the Tigers.
Ohio State showed strong interest in McClellan but never offered. Ironically, it would be Missouri soon getting involved.
"They called me and said, 'Do you think we'll even have a shot with him?'" Hall recalled. "I told them Dante is a pretty open-minded guy and he'll at least hear you out. I was surprised how much ground and how much momentum they made up."
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McClellan is a 6-foot-3, 215-pound outside linebacker and edge rusher who has the athleticism and versatility to play wide receiver on offense. He earned All-Ohio second team as a junior after totaling 75 tackles (13 for loss), four sacks and an interception. He also caught 32 passes for 518 yards and two touchdowns as a wide receiver.
Both McClellan and Hall believe he will end up playing weak side linebacker in college.
What kind of player and kid is Missouri getting?
"As good as you can get," Hall said. "He's a great locker room guy. He's committed to bettering himself every day. We talk about what it looks like on the Power Five level, and everyday you've got to be prepared to go out there and defend your position or go take someone's position. He's fully aware of that.
"We've definitely seen his focus and drive from a freshman grow to where it is now. His maturity level has definitely grown immensely. That's why he became an underclassman captain for us. That doesn't happen too often. I truly think they're getting a guy with a high ceiling and one who is going to come in and compete every day."
McKinley went 9-4 last season, won a second straight Federal League title and lost in the third round of the OHSAA playoffs to eventual Division I state champion St. Edward.
The Bulldogs open the 2024 season at home on Aug. 22 against Warren Harding.
McClellan said he will take official visits to two other schools (he said he's undecided on where) but that he also feels like his recruitment is over.
McClellan has dealt with this process since his freshman year. He described Monday's announcement as a weight off his shoulders.
"It's excitement and relief," he said. "It's relief that I can just focus on the season, and it's excitement that I'm going to Missouri. We've got big plans."
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This article originally appeared on The Repository: Dante McClellan of Canton McKinley commits to Missouri Tigers football
