 "Photo: Sholten Singer")
As a reporter wrapped up an interview with Albert McClellan following Wednesday’s practice, the lights dimmed to nearly black at Joan C. Edwards Stadium.
Ironic.
There was once a time when the lights nearly went out in McClellan’s career.
It was early August 2007 and McClellan was learning quickly what it was like to be a superstar. He was the reigning Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year, a 6-foot-2, 254-pound beast of a defensive end blessed with the skill set of a linebacker. His 11 sacks and 19 tackles for loss as a sophomore had coaches and media members drooling over what he could accomplish his junior season. Certain preseason publications even listed his name right next to “All-American.”
But then all that came to a twisting halt. McClellan tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee just days after fall practice began, ending his season.
But it never ended his spirits.
“I don’t lose any time,” McClellan said optimistically following his injury. “I think I’m gaining time because I get to sit on the sidelines and watch the game from a different view. I get to learn the schemes a little bit more. To see why we have to be in this gap or drop in coverage a certain way in a game. So, I think I’m gaining more than I’m losing.”
Two years later, as he prepares for his final game at the Joan, he’s the same person, same player and he carries the same attitude.
His injury in 2007 didn’t end his career. Nope. It only added to it.
“It was a downer for me, but it gave me the opportunity to graduate early,” said McClellan, who was granted a medical redshirt in ’07. “With me finishing up with a degree last spring, it allowed me to pretty much concentrate on football this year.
“It’s been pretty huge.”
A business management degree only adds to McClellan’s post-injury résumé. The Lakeland, Fla., native made first team All-C-USA honors last season and is likely to earn a similar accolade this season.
His numbers — just 2.5 sacks in ’08 and 3 this year — don’t reflect his impact. After earning the reputation of a tenacious pass rusher his sophomore season, McClellan became a target for opposing offenses to stop. He’s been double-teamed more than he’s made tackles over the past two seasons.
But McClellan’s not complaining — he just keeps playing. Just like he did the first time he stepped on the field as an unassuming freshman at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Va. Just like he did in a memorable 3.5 sack, 6.5 tackle for loss performance at East Carolina as a sophomore.
But when McClellan plays this Saturday against SMU, he may be playing a little differently. It’s not only his last game at the stadium he’s called home for five years, it’s also one of his few remaining chances to thank the coach whose stuck with him for those five years.
“I’ve been trying to find a way to pay Coach (Mark) Snyder back,” McClellan said. “He trusted me my freshman year to start me against Virginia Tech. Ever since then, I’ve had a lot of faith in Coach Snyder. So anything I can do to help Coach Snyder out would be huge.”
A win against the Mustangs would make Marshall bowl eligible for the first time in Snyder and McClellan’s tenure.
FEELING CODY’S PAIN: McClellan and 13 other seniors will run out of the Joan C. Edwards Stadium tunnel for the final time Saturday.
Another senior will come through on crutches.
McClellan feels Cody Slate’s pain.
“I told Cody to keep his head up,” McClellan said. “My prayers go out it him. I hope he makes it to where he wants to go. And with me knowing Cody, I’m pretty sure he’s never going to give up. He’ll always have his eyes open on his dream.
“Hopefully, he’ll make it.”
Slate tore his ACL in the first quarter of Marshall’s 27-20 loss to Southern Miss last Saturday at Edwards Stadium.
DARIUS UPDATE: Junior running back Darius Marshall dressed for practice Wednesday, but didn’t participate.
His status for Saturday is uncertain.
Marshall, whose 1,054 rushing yards are second in C-USA, injured his ankle in the third quarter of last Saturday’s game.
Andrew Ramspacher can be contacted at ramspacher@marshall.edu.
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