Before he was selected by the Chicago Bears with the 19th overall pick in last month's draft, Shea McClellin played defensive end and linebacker at Boise State. But with a fairly deep corps of linebackers, the Bears plan to use the 6-foot-3, 260-pound McClellin at defensive end.
Thus far, the rookie is enjoying his position switch.
"I've been hand in the dirt from day one and I loving it," McClellin said Thursday on WMVP-AM's "Carmen, Jurko and Harry Show", via ESPN Chicago. "The last couple of years I molded more into the linebacker role but before that I was strictly a defensive end."
McClellin recorded 130 tackles, including 35 for a loss, and 20.5 sacks during his college career, during which he was a three-year starter. With the benefit of a full offseason and tutoring from defensive line coach Rod Marinelli, McClellin has a chance to start immediately and play opposite Julius Peppers.
McClellin hasn't said a whole lot to the six-time Pro Bowl and future D-line partner since the draft.
"I've only asked one question," McClellin said. "Other than that I haven't talked to him too much. He's more of a guy who leads by example so I watch him and learn from him."
