2024 Season-Ending Interview With Clayton Nieves From New Oxford High School (PA.)

 


Clayton Nieves

New Oxford High School

Rb/Slot

2025

5’8, 165

Awards won or earned: 2024—Class 5A all-state RB, YAIAA D2 OPOY, all-league 1st team RB

What was the highlight of your high school football career?

I would like to highlight our win over Southwestern, where I ran for 258 yards and 4 TDs.

What was the lowest moment of your high school football career?

I think losing in the playoffs in the first round 3 consecutive years would be the worst moment.

Which win meant the most?

The last win of the season, when we went 10-0 for the first time in school history, definitely meant the most.

Which loss hurt the worst?

Our loss against Exeter Township in the playoffs hurt the worst because we were the better team, and we came up short.

What was the biggest lesson that you have learned playing sports?

You can't control every part of the game, and all you can do is play your part to the best of your ability.

Who was the best team you faced, along with the thing that made them so good?

I believe the best team I have faced so far is Fort Hill, which is an out-of-state team we played last season; their physicality is what made them so dominant.

Can you name one or two of the best players that you have faced in a game along with the teams they played on?

I’ve played against many great players, but I think as a RB I tend to notice those other RBs more, and Jayden Zandier from Exeter Township and Mikey Bentivegna from York Suburban are some great players.

Now that high school football is over, what, if anything, do you wish you would have done differently?

I wish we could have made a deep playoff run, and that’s something that we haven’t done as a program in a while.

What were your feelings as you walked off the field for the last time as a member of the New Oxford football team?

It was a little bittersweet; knowing I won't play with the friends I grew up with anymore hurts, but moving on to bigger and better things like college ball made it a lot easier.

If you receive an invite to play in any of the all-star games, will you? Explain

It’s definitely something I would be interested in, and as long as I’m healthy, you can expect to see me there.

What have been the best and worst parts of the recruiting process?

The best part would be the connections to players and coaches you make and the support they all give you. The worst part would probably be the constant travelling to schools hours away, but it's all worth it in the end.

Would you name some of the schools that are recruiting you?

My main recruitment is happening within the PSAC D2 area, with official visits to Kutztown, Slippery Rock, and Millersville coming up. I also have gained 3 out-of-state offers so far!!

Who are your role models?

Honestly, I find motivation through myself and my work ethic. If I had to name some people, I would say my teammates, who are currently playing college football, motivate me even more to get to where they are and outwork them.

Have you ever read http://easternpafootball.com?

I have seen their recent posts, and I am grateful to have been selected for the 5A all-state team; it’s something that I worked for and was really excited to see!

What is your favorite home-cooked meal?

I have a few in mind! I like steaks, mac and cheese, and any type of cookout BBQ meals.

Follow me on X @HEARTLANDFAN15

On Facebook @ Burnworth David


 

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