Clemson Linebacker Target Enjoys Time in Tigertown

by TigerNet Staff - Tue Jul 06 21:32:43 GMT-05:00 2004

Antonio Clay - Linebacker
Height: 6-1 Weight: 210 Hometown: Jefferson, GA (Twiggs Co. HS) Class: 2005

ESPN: NR

Linebacker is a very important position in the 2005 recruiting class, and Antonio Clay is a linebacker the coaching staff covets.

Clay is another player Clemson is battling several national powers for as he was once committed to Oklahoma, but he has since backed off. He has offers from Clemson, Miami, Oklahoma, LSU, Georgia, Auburn, Oklahoma St., Georgia Tech, South Carolina, and Florida. He currently lists his top five as Miami, Oklahoma, LSU, Georgia, and Clemson in no order.

"I have no interest in dragging the process out too long. I will try to visit my top five, and then commit hopefully during the season."

The linebacker is from Twiggs County Georgia, and finds a resemblance to home at Clemson. "When I was there at the one day camp, it was cool. The trees and the calmness of the area reminded me of the Twiggs."

When Clay was at the Clemson camp, he was clocked at 4.5 forty, but had a groin injury that kept him out the rest of the day. "My groin injury slowed me down, so I know I can definitely improve on my forty."

Clay has set his sights on the upcoming season, and his first target is defending state champ Hawkinsville. "I am going to have a big game every game, that is just the type player I am, but it all will begin against the defending state champs."

Coach Blackwell is recruiting Clay, and Clay has enjoyed building his relationship with Coach Blackwell. "I talked often to Coach Blackwell, and Big Daddy, that's what I call Coach West."

Clay says he has been to Clemson several Times but is looking forward to taking his official visit to Clemson. "I will setup an official visit with Clemson, and I am looking forward to spending time with Leroy Hill. He was coached in High School by my coach, and I am looking forward to him being my host. I know Leroy is an All-American candidate, who I could learn a lot from."

He attended the Orange and White game in the spring. "I enjoyed Death Valley, but I wish they would have ran down the hill. I bet the fans go crazy when the players come down. I am looking forward to coming to the South Carolina game this year, and getting to see the atmosphere."

Clay has already qualified with 21 on the ACT. He is currently having a busy summer while trying to juggle camps, workouts, and a summer job. "I am enjoying my summer, but I am ready to step on the field again."

This would be a great coup to add to Coach Blackwell's linebacking corps but Clay likes every school he visits and this one could change daily.