2024 Interview with Clayton Nieves from New Oxford High (PA.)

 

Clayton Nieves

New Oxford High

RB/Slot

2025

5’8, 165

Will you share with everyone any awards that you have won or earned for football?

Last year was my first chance to put my talents on the field consistently, which earned me an honorable mention in the RB position. I plan to improve that this year.

New Oxford has had a nice two-year run, going 15-5. What will the 2024 team have to do better to not only keep the run going but also have a deep playoff run?

We need to continue where we left off. With losing as many all-stars as we did, it's going to take more of our younger, upcoming players to step up and take on the challenge. The bar has been raised, and we believe we can keep that trend going. 

Who do you feel was the best team that you faced last season, and what made them so good?

The best team we faced last season was actually a Maryland team, Fort Hill. They are a historic program with multiple state championships, and what stood out to me the most was the love for the team. The second we got into Fort Hill territory, we saw billboards and flyers promoting the team, and it almost gave you chills.

Who has been the best player that you have ever faced in a game, along with the team that he played on?

Mikey Benivegna from York Suburban was an incredible player to watch in person. We played them my sophomore season, and with as stacked a roster as we had that season, he still scored on us from the offensive and special teams sides of the ball. It's easy to see why he went to a Division 1 program.

As I told you before the interview, I really like that little stutter step you show on your runs. How did you develop that?

Honestly, I would say my elusiveness comes very naturally to me. Of course, I put in the work during practice and offseason as well. From where it came from originally, I would have to say backyard ball at elementary school and just playing with friends as a kid.

What part of your game do you feel is the strongest?

I would say the strongest part of my game is my big play potential, which comes from my burst and acceleration.

What are your goals for this season after coming off a season that saw you get 700 yards on the ground and score ten touchdowns?

The goal is always to improve. I would love to see myself carry the ball more and get to that 1,000-yard mark with a few more TDs. The main goal is to win, though stats come second to me.

What did you accomplish during the off-season to help you improve your game?

I would say I got out to more camps and learned from D1-D2 college coaches. You can never learn enough, and the mental aspect of football is very important.

What has been your biggest accomplishment as an athlete?

My biggest accomplishment would have to be getting my name out. Exposure is hard when you are from a smaller area. Knowing that there are schools interested in my ability is a big win for me.

After the season is over, if you have earned an invite to any of the all-star games, will you play?

Absolutely, I will. This is my last time suiting up as a Colonial, and I want to take the ride as far as possible.

Where should the state finals be held?

I would have to say, as a Steelers fan, Acrisure Stadium. The stadium is not very local, but it is huge and would be a surreal feeling.

If you are hearing from any colleges, could you share a couple of them with the readers?

I would say that in general, I talked with a lot of PSAC schools, and in specific, I really liked the energy Coach Venditti and the crew showed me at Kutztown. I’ll be down there for a gameday visit, and there are a few others in the area, for sure.

What is the one sport that you cannot watch?

I don't like watching baseball at all. From a guy who has played it, I can say it's fun if you're the one doing it, but watching the sport just doesn’t excite me.

What is your go-to drink?

I think the best drink in the world is chocolate milk. You can catch me drinking it at any time of the day, and it can be high in protein as well.

What is your favorite class or subject?

I would have to say I find history classes to be enjoyable. I like learning about what happened in the past, and honestly, it is just overall interesting to me.