Interview: 1,200-Yard 3-Star 2021 California WR/DB Clay Petry Talks Pennsylvania Commitment
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There is an early movement going on with the Pennsylvania Quakers 2021 recruiting class with a heavy flavor of California football talent. On Christmas Day, three-star receiver Clay Petry became the ninth verbal commitment to the Quakers’ class, fifth from the Golden State. UPenn picked up a baller in Petry. The 6-2, 205-pound, target secured 68 passes a year ago for 1,204 yards with 14 touchdowns while playing both ways.
With 13 offers on the table, Petry put an end to his recruiting process ahead of the 2020 season set to begin in California in mid-January. After transferring from Bishop’s in La Jolla, Petry will be putting his skills to the test this year with Helix High School. To talk about it all, Petry headed to the RNG Lab for another interview.
*Click the link for the Sept. 2020 RNG interview with Clay Petry
Interview
Clay, all the hard work from the extended offseason is getting closer to fruition. How excited are you to be what should be about month out from beginning your senior year on the field?
I am super excited. I have wanted nothing more but to get on the field with the guys at Helix and test myself against the top teams in the county. Helix gives me that chance. We’ve been pushed back, but hopefully we stay on that path to get on the field.
Have you had many opportunities to practice and/or workout with your new teammates at Helix?
Yes. Luckily, we’ve been consistent going at least twice a week for a couple of months. Being new it has been great. I have met everyone, and built chemistry with the team and my quarterback. We’ve been getting work in and staying in shape; we are ready.
Other than lifting and running, what have you been doing to get focused in for the 2020 season?
Trying to get as much work in as possible. Anytime a quarterback wants to throw, I go do it. I have been working with my receiver coach sharpening my skills. We have been working on my cutting abilities. I want to make these big plays we see on Sports Center. I have been working on making people miss, my head fakes, and getting the DB off balanced. After all the offseason work, I have a great chance to accomplish all my goals this year. I still feel a little slow on my cuts, I will continue to work. But the explosive plays are coming.
What kind of speed training drills and programs have you been doing this fall and winter?
I worked out with a trainer for about eight weeks, that was great. I had not seen so much improvement so quickly ever. After working with my trainer, I felt like a new person. I was way faster and more explosive. My trainer works with a lot of NFL and college guys. Based off his program, I feel that I am on a good program to get faster.
Did you post a 40 this offseason?
Yes, I ran some hand-times. The times ranged from a 4.5 to a low 4.6. It fluctuated.
What drills have you been doing to focus on the fundamentals of the game as a receiver?
I just got back to the basics doing the ladder, cones, and box drills. I have done more reps than anything. Just doing it over and over again. The simple drills are helping me a lot.
With your route running and hands, where are you feeling are the differences in what you can do on the field after all the hard work?
I feel more explosive getting downfield and I am getting on DBs toes quicker. I feel their panic. Because I know most of the DBs I go against, I can see them wondering what is going on with me and where did this come from. My speed, changing up my speed on my routes – feeling it all improve.
Last time we talked, I asked you a somewhat similar question. To follow up; you have a boatload of offers, as a senior with options getting closer to National Signing Day, where are you at with when you might make a decision?
I actually committed to UPenn. I feel like it is the perfect fit and I will be signing in February.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
What criteria went into making your final list?
I took a long time, a lot longer than other kids. I wanted to take my time and do what is important in my process. This was an important decision. I was looking for the best of both worlds, and found it. Penn’s academics are unreal and their football program is amazing. They compete at a high level in the Ivy League, I am excited to get there and get it going.
Petry’s Offer Sheet: Air Force, Boise State, Cal-Poly, Columbia, Holy Cross, Lehigh, Nevada, Northern Colorado, Pennsylvania, San Diego, San Diego State, UNLV, and Yale
How did you do it?
I committed to Coach (Kevin) Morris, he’s the offensive coordinator. I have talked to him a lot through the process. He is who I called. After a Zoom with Coach (Ray) Priore (head coach), Coach (Rick) Ulrich (WR), and Coach Morris, I talked to my family about committing. After that, I called Coach Morris.
Nice. How did you feel at that time? Nervous or excited?
I was mixed with everything. I did not know what I was going to say. It was never racking but exciting. I was happy to commit to a program that wanted me. After I committed, all the commits added me to the group chat and were congratulating me. It was fun. I am excited.
Have you done anything to celebrate?
I haven’t done anything yet. I don’t know if I will. This is just the first step to all my goals. If I do something, it will be a small celebration but nothing major. I still have a lot more to do to and more left to accomplish. My parents didn’t go to college, but I expected this. The next stop is on the Dean’s List.
How will they use you in their offense?
They plan on putting me everywhere, but mainly on the outside. They want to use me to create match up problems. They will be moving me around to see what I can do.
You mentioned being able to chat with some of the other recruits on the group message. How is that bond developing?
We have a great group of guys in the 2021 class. We are going to light it up. There’s a quarterback from San Diego (Aidan Sayin) committed. Hopefully we can get that connection going for Penn.
Clay, congratulations on your commitment to Penn. Thanks for your time today. Wishing you continued success with your senior season on the field.
Thank you, sir.
2021 California Players Committed to Penn
DE Nick Ostlund – St. Margaret’s Episcopal – San Juan Capistrano
DE Nick Fryhoff – Foothill HS – Santa Ana
OG Devin Spencer – Centennial HS – Corona
QB Aidan Saying – Carlsbad HS – Carlsbad
WR Clay Petry – Helix HS – La Mesa
Photo credit: Petry family; Clay Petry