CBC junior quarterback Nick McClellan has always taken a back seat to older brother Jeremiah — at least in terms of energy.
"When we were little, he was always loud, making noise, banging around and doing things that needed attention from our mom," Nick said. "I was the quiet one.
"I'd sit off in the corner by myself just watching and doing my thing."
Little brother is catching up — quickly.
Nick has developed into one of the top dual threat signal callers in the state as he leads the Cadets on their pursuit of another football state championship.
CBC (6-1), which plays at 7 p.m. Friday at Peoria Notre Dame (4-3) in a nonconference game, once again is in good position for a title run, thanks in part to Nick, who has progressed rapidly under center.
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In his first full season as a varsity quarterback, McClellan has passed for 1,215 yards and 11 scores. He has rushed for 611 yards and seven TDs.
His ability to strike on the ground and in the air is one of the main reasons the Cadets are scoring at a 43-point per game clip. Last week they beat Vianney to finish 4-0 in the Metro Catholic Conference and reclaim the league crown they last won in 2022.
McClellan is averaging 17.4 yards per completion and 9.1 yards per carry. He has passed for more than 100 yards and rushed for more than 100 yards in four games.
"With his skill set, he's just gotten better with more and more repetitions," CBC coach Scott Pingel said. "It's been pretty fun to watch."
McClellan's numbers are even more impressive considering his spent last season as a starter at defensive back.
The 6-foot, 180-pounder turned in one of the biggest defensive plays of the 2023 season when he returned an interception 31 yards for a key score late in a 35-23 win at Jackson in the Class 6 quarterfinal round.
This time around, McClellan was asked to step onto the other side of the ball to fill a void at quarterback.
He took on the assignment with plenty of enthusiasm.
"Of course I was happy," said McClellan, who played QB on the JV level as a freshman and sophomore. "When Coach approached me, I said 'Yes, sir,' and immediately accepted it. I mean, who wouldn't want to be quarterback with the type of team we have."
McClellan has learned plenty, on and off the field, from Jeremiah, who is in his freshman season as a wide receiver at the University of Oregon after four stellar campaigns at CBC.
The two are polar opposites, yet they each possess a burning desire to push their games to the next level.
Nick has always been the more laid-back, docile of the pair.
Jeremiah, on the other hand, is flamboyant and outgoing. He possesses a gregarious personality, which fits in perfectly with Nick's easy-going demeanor.
"(Nick) has always been comfortable with just who he is," said their mother, Stacy. "He doesn't try to be as loud as his brother."
The youngest of three brothers, Nick still prefers to remain out of the spotlight while Jeremiah used to light up during interviews.
"Jeremiah always wants to be a part of everything," Stacy said. "Nick's just a different kid. More quiet."
Nick is certainly not quiet on the field. He is hitting 64 percent of his passes (70 of 109) and has either run or passed for two scores or more in five of seven games. He connected on an efficient 10 of 14 tosses for 198 yards and a TD in an eye-opening 38-14 win at De Smet on Sept. 20 that gave the Cadets first blood in the battle for large-school supremacy in the area.
For the most part, Nick has handled the responsibility of the new position well. Taking a leadership role under center can be difficult, but Nick has made the transition look seamless.
"He doesn't force his leadership on anybody," Pingel said. "It just organically happens."
Nick possesses some laid-back hobbies including fishing, although he admits to being afraid to touch his catch. He likes the relaxation that goes with the sport.
"My brother and I just like sitting around, enjoying a little peace and quiet together," Nick said.
A straight-A student, Nick considers himself a home body and said his 4-year old boxer dog Zeus is one of his best friends.
For now, Nick is hoping to sharpen his game for another serious playoff push.
The Cadets are looking for their sixth state title, four of which have come since 2017. Ƶ won back-to-back crowns in 2021 and 2022 and are looking for their fourth successive championship game appearance after losing to Liberty North 38-7 in last year's title tilt.
"I'm still learning," Nick said. "I feel like when we're working together, it's going to take a really good team to beat us."