When the Syracuse football coaching staff decided to have Jameel McClain switch from linebacker to defensive end, McClain had no objections.

‘My initial reaction was I just wanted to be in the game,’ McClain said. ‘I just wanted to be on the field helping the team in anyway I can. You can either sit on the bench and watch or participate. The switch wasn’t a hard choice.’

McClain noted it was a gradual conversation between the coaches and him that evolved over time, but when an opportunity comes up, ‘You just have to hit the ground running with it.’

In McClain’s first career start against Wake Forest on Sept. 2, he had a career-high eight tackles, showing no lack of confidence in his new position.

When the Orange faced Iowa and Miami (Ohio), McClain recorded a career-high two sacks. He is now tied for eighth in the nation for sacks per game (one) and leads the Big East in sacks (seven).

McClain actually enjoys the position switch because he thrives off the contact, which comes every play on the defensive line.

‘I love hitting someone on every play,’ McClain said. ‘If you’re aggressive you got a chance. It’s an aggressive sport, you have to use it, and I have a lot.’

McClain is also tied for first in the Big East in tackles for loss (8.5). He has 42 tackles, third most on the team. When the Orange defeated Illinois on Sept. 16, McClain had four tackles, including 2.5 for loss, and forced a fumble that resulted in a Jerry Mackey touchdown.

McClain already knew how to play defensive end after playing the position for three years at George Washington High School in Philadelphia, where he recorded 22 total career sacks.

‘Jameel is a natural defensive end,’ said McClain’s high school coach, Ron Cohen. ‘He’s performing very well this year and hopefully I will get a chance to see him play in person before the season is done.’

Kyle Bell, a tight end for the Orange who attended high school with McClain, brags that he was the reason McClain played varsity football his sophomore year at George Washington.

Bell was a year ahead of McClain. But before coming to Syracuse, he went to prep school so he and McClain started playing for the Orange at the same time. The duo have been roommates ever since.

‘Jameel was about to go out for JV,’ Bell said. ‘But I told him he was too good. He gave it a shot and made it. I’m responsible.’

Bell also boasted that his father told Jameel he was better at defensive end than linebacker from the beginning.

‘Now everyone sees it,’ Bell said. ‘Jameel was meant to be a defensive end. He had a great transition.’

McClain played 10 games his sophomore year, primarily on special teams. Against South Florida, he recorded one sack.

During the offseason and preseason, he bulked up for the position switch. He went from linebackers coach Steve Russ to defensive line coach Tim Cross and practiced extra drills to help with his technique. McClain praised Cross and all of his teammates for helping him make the adjustment in positions.

‘Jameel is so energetic,’ Bell said. ‘He’s always moving, he tries to be everywhere, and he feels the transition has helped him be more aggressive on the field.’

That energy carries off the field, too-even into his apartment.

‘Jameel doesn’t like me to tell people this, but when he’s around the apartment he’s always singing,’ Bell said. ‘Jameel, he sings James Blunt. He’s always singing ‘You’re beautiful, it’s true.’ Jameel, he’s one special guy.’

McClain’s personality allows him to overcome some of his physical limitations, like his 6-foot-1 frame. Although it’s small for a defensive end, McClain uses his speed and high motor to make plays-similar to one of the best defensive ends SU’s ever produced.

Syracuse head coach Greg Robinson said McClain has attributes akin to former Syracuse defensive end and NFL Pro Bowler Dwight Freeney, a 2001 All-American. Freeney recorded 17.5 sacks his senior year at Syracuse-second most in Big East history. He also compares favorably to 2005 starter Ryan LaCasse, who was another undersized but quick end.

‘I think Ryan and Jameel are out of that mold,’ Robinson said. ‘I am not telling you that those guys are Dwight Freeney. I do think that Jameel is explosive and yes, his height can be a disadvantage, but his explosiveness and his strength and his intensity at which he plays at are assets.’

Published on October 16, 2006 at 12:00 pm