clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

22 DAYS TO 2018 KICKOFF: Nick McLellan

In which BracketCat counts down the 22nd day until the 2018 kickoff with a profile of place kicker Nick McLellan.

By BracketCat
#22 Dante Barnett
Just one picture of Dante Barnett (22) in one day isn’t enough. Let’s have a second and throw in a little Tyler Lockett for good measure!
Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images

#22 Nick McLellan

Redshirt Junior | 6-2 | 182 lbs. | West Des Moines, Iowa
Nick McLellan
Nick McLellan
Courtesy Kansas State Athletics
  • Position: Place Kicker
  • Previous College: None
  • Projection: Second-String
  • Status: Preferred Walk-On

Nicholas Ross McLellan (b. Dec. 28, 1996) is a a walk-on kicker and punter from Dowling Catholic High School. He redshirted in 2015 and did not see any game action in 2016.

McLellan, who was true on his only extra-point attempt of 2017 against Charlotte, likely will vie to become either the new kickoff specialist or the backup punter in 2018. He also will compete for primary place-kicking duties in what promises to be a wide-open competition.

A four-year letter-winner under coach Tom Wilson, McLellan helped to lead the Maroons to state championships as a junior and senior as his team went 14-0 in 2013 and 13-1 in 2014.

In the process, he also broke the Iowa state record for points in a career by a kicker (283), PAT kicks in a career (206) and points in a season by a kicker (105).

McLellan earned all-state honors from both the state’s coaches and the Iowa Newspaper Association after making 206 of 213 career extra points and 26 of 36 field goals, with a long of 42 yards. He also held a 39.6-yard punting average.

In addition to kicking at the prep level, McLellan also played high school soccer and was a four-year letter-winner in this sport, as well.

The highlight of his senior season was a fake punt he ran against Waukee High School.

Kohl’s Professional Camps ranked McLellan the 90th-best kicker and the 62nd-best punter, both with a rating of 4.5. He also attracted interest from such in-state schools as Iowa and Iowa State, as well as Missouri and USC.