2025 Interview with Clayton Smith from Western Brown


 

Clayton Smith

Western Brown

OL/NG

2027

6'3 290

Jersey Number: 74

HUDL LINK: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19442613/671ed65b56711d51626c0da4

Other sports played: wrestling

Post a small recap of last season with personal highlights and any other big moments you have and memories you have from last season, whether it be a game, the bus ride to or from the game, or any other thing that sticks out.

A big memory I'm always going to remember is the celebration after a win. That is always something I will cherish forever. Being with the guys dancing and celebrating after a big dub is a top 10 experience.

Would you share with the readers how you got the nickname "Cledus"?

When I was five years old, I was at my first football practice, and we were running, and one of the coaches yelled, "Run, Cledus!" And everyone thought that's what my name actually was, and since then it never really left.

How did you grow as a player from the 2024 season to this coming season?

I think I grew a lot physically and mentally. I wrestled in the off-season, so that definitely helped keep my muscles warm during that time off, and I've been hitting the weight room hard. My lifts have gone up a lot since last season, and I feel faster and more agile than I ever have.

What are you looking forward to most from this season?

The young guys. They are a very talented group of kids, and they have a bright future. I'm excited to see how they grow and mature this season.

What is the worst part of the first day of practice?

The worst part about that first day back is the toll it will take on your body. You're going to be sore and hurt the next morning. But I know it's part of the process, and it's how you become great.

Last year, when we did the interview, you said you needed to work on your footwork. Were you able to improve in that area of your game?

I feel like I was. My feet have definitely improved over the off-season, and I feel faster in general. I think wrestling had a huge part in that, as well as my off-season speed training the last few months. Thanks, Coach G. ✊️

What makes you a good teammate?

I make everyone feel included. I make sure the young guys are in on the conversations with the other juniors and seniors.

Who is the toughest teammate to square up against in practice?

All my teammates are very talented, and they all have their strengths and weaknesses, but the one I find hardest to go 1-on-1 with would be Emanuel Gibbs.

How do you handle criticism?

Criticism is a huge part of sports. I was taught to take criticism quietly. Don't say anything but "yes sir" or "no sir."

For a lineman, what type of weather is the worst to play in?

The worst weather to play in has to be a super hot, thick day.

How important is it to you that the team not only get along on the field but off of it too?

Football is a brotherhood. You go through all these workouts, criticism, losses, and wins together. If that brotherhood isn't there off the field, then that team will not succeed, and that goes for any team at any level.

If you could take one game from your schedule and move it to any stadium in the state, where are you playing the game, and who are you playing?

I have always really liked Nippert Stadium at Cincinnati, so I would have to choose that stadium, and I would say we play Hillsboro or Jackson. They are both very good teams, and it's usually a pretty decent game when we play.

What advice are you going to give that first-year starter right before you take the field to kick off the season?

Relax. Take it in. Playing on Friday night in front of that crowd is a great thing, and there's nothing like your first.

Who has the best fast food burger?

Whataburger

What is the last book that you read, along with the author?

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

What is a sport that you would like to play but lack the skill set to?

Mixed Martial Arts


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