Clay declares for NFL Draft
by Adam Hoge on Jan 7, 2011 3:09 PM CST
in Wisconsin Badgers Football
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PrintWisconsin running back John Clay will follow teammate J.J. Watt to the 2011 NFL Draft.
The junior announced Friday he will forgo his senior season at Wisconsin and turn pro.
"There are a lot of people that I would like to thank who have helped me along the way," Clay said in a statement. "I’d like to thank the great Wisconsin fans for supporting me throughout my time as a Badger. I’d also like to thank my family for helping me through this process.
"I want to thank my coaches for giving me the opportunity to come to Wisconsin and putting me in a position to showcase my talents. Also, thanks to my teammates for everything they have done to help me. Finally, I have to give glory to God for blessing me with this opportunity. This is the right decision for me at this time and I’m excited to start a new chapter."
Clay reportedly met with head coach Bret Bielema at Noon Friday to discuss his future.
"Since coming to Wisconsin, John has gone above and beyond all of our expectations both on and off the field," Bielema said in a statement. "His tremendous production on the field speaks for itself, but we are also proud of him as a teammate and the work he has done in the classroom and off the field. We support his decision and wish him luck."
Clay's talents speak for themselves, but this will not hurt the Badgers as much as Watt's departure. The Badgers boast two experienced running backs in Montee Ball and James White. Senior Zach Brown redshirted the 2010 season and will be available next season as will freshman Jeff Lewis who also redshirted. The Badgers also have a verbal commitment from talented Kenosha running back Melvin Gordon who will join the team in 2011.
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Weak HB class and loaded backfield...
Probably why he left.
"There’s no reason Brian Cardinal should be blocking your shot on a fast break." - Golden State of Mind
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Jan 7, 2011 3:43 PM CST reply actions
Those 3 games missed to injury
those are REALLY going to hurt Clay’s case. He could be drafted in Schofield territory (late 3rd through 4th round) because of it.
"There’s no reason Brian Cardinal should be blocking your shot on a fast break." - Golden State of Mind
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Jan 7, 2011 3:52 PM CST up reply actions
Right now, yes.
But these scouts value the combine A LOT. Clay is healthy so if he can perform well in the combine he could boost his value.
Same goes Watt. He’s a late 1st round pick right now, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he moves up. His hard work took him from a TE at Central Michigan to an All-American DE at Wisconsin. With 4 months to prepare for the draft, he will probably get even better.
Bucky's 5th Quarter. SB Nation's Wisconsin Badgers community.
Agree
I doubt teams are going to care too much about Clay missing a couple games this year.
If he shows up in the best shape of his life, healthy and impresses at the combine he’ll get drafted – I tend to think 3-4th round. If he doesn’t impress at the combine I think he’ll be much lower, if at all.
Get a ife broseph
now that he's healthy
The great thing for Clay is there are 10-15 lbs. of “easy” weight right off the top just begggging to get cut. Just that alone could get a little buzz going. I hope he works his @$$ off and makes it.
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Me too.
Quality guy, I’m glad he’s getting his shot.
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On, Wisconsin!
by John Veldhuis on Jan 7, 2011 8:23 PM CST up reply actions
John's probably been my favorite RB of the last few years.
Good luck to him.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
He was the starting RB on Illinois State this season.
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by Adam Hoge on Jan 8, 2011 4:40 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Shame on you
I watched every Illinois State game this season.
(Illinois State has a football team? Illinois State is a real university??? Next thing I know someone’s going to tell me that there is a Wisconsin State.)
Bucky's 5th Quarter - All Badgers, all the time.
Oh well
We’ll be about as good regardless. No knock on Clay, just that Montee Ball proved me completely wrong when he started getting a block or two.
I find I’m often wrong about College Football. No such problems with the NFL. Wonder what that’s all about.
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