South Carolina secondary coach Torrian Gray has set his sights on CB Michael Clayton (6-1 180) of Warner Robins, GA and is attempting to pull off a come from behind recruiting victory. Ward didn’t offer Clayton until late September, roughly four months after he committed to Rutgers following an official visit. Ward has made up a lot of ground.
“They are very interested. Right now, I am still committed to Rutgers, but I am considering all my options and taking my time,” Clayton said. “It’s pretty much them and Rutgers that I’m thinking about right now.”
Memphis just offered Clayton as well and could become more of a factor. He has not scheduled any more official visits at this point. Clayton did visit USC for the first time in September when the Gamecocks played Akron.
“It was amazing,” Clayton said. “I got to meet Coach Gray before the game and afterwards, and he was very welcoming. He talked to me and my dad about the game I had the night before. The atmosphere was great. The crowd was loud the whole time.”
Clayton said from his conversations with Ward he got the impression he would be a good fit for his defensive scheme.
“He was just saying that with my skill set and the way that I play the ball, I am able to be used in multiple coverages,” Clayton said. “I can play press man and play off. I’m very fast, and you can’t coach speed, and he felt like I would fit in perfectly with their defense.”
Clayton said he does plan to take an official visit with the Gamecocks. His other offers include Navy, Mercer, Georgia Southern, Toledo, Air Force, Wofford, Georgia State, Bowling Green and Central Michigan.