Interview: 4-Star 2021 Texas OLB/DE Clayton Smith Covers Recruiting and Visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When college teams look for a difference maker in the high school ranks on defense, Class of 2021 outside linebacker/end Clayton Smith is the kind of recruit all coaches seek. Using quickness, determination, and growing technique, Smith worked his trade during the 2018 season for 57 tackles, 37 solo, adding in nine tackles for a loss, two sacks, two QB hurries, and one pass breakup. The 6-4, 215-pound, Texas High School (Texarkana) standout has attracted offers from 10 programs so far with more top Power 5 teams looking his way as the Texas high school football season hits the midway point.
As Smith continues to prove his four-star recruiting worthiness week after week against 5A competition, and with visits coming up to Texas A&M and LSU, we sat down for a one-on-on covering a lot of ground.
Interview
Clayton, before we get into all the ways you impact the game as an outside linebacker/end for the Tigers, I want to bring up your team-first attitude. I love seeing you blocking as a receiver for your teammates helping the team score touchdowns. What is your role on offense this season?
“My role, I’m not a No. 1 receiver but I am a third down conversion guy – a big play receiver. I block and go up for jump balls. I play some tight end as well, but mainly to block.”
Even though offense is not your primary role, how is that part of your game coming along?
“It is coming along great. Not as good as my defense, but it is coming along. I did not get as many snaps last season on offense; I am improving this season.”
As mentioned, on defense you tear it up. As an outside linebacker/end, what are your responsibilities within the scheme?
“We changed the defense for this season. We are now more of a four-down front. I am at end in our scheme. For the most part I am a standup end who rushes the QB a lot. Sometimes I drop into coverage in our 3-4. I rush the passer and breakup as many plays as I can getting tackles for a loss. I try to make it easier for my linebackers to make plays. We have six in the box instead of seven this year. I squeeze down a lot funneling the pay to those guys. I put pressure on the QB so the DBs can get picks.”
Teams are running the other way a lot, how else are teams scheming against you?
“I have not been double-teamed that much yet. They pull to my size or run options to my size, but the QB pulls it most of the time. As you said, they run to the other side as much as they can. Sometimes I get an offensive tackle and tight end doubling me.”
Your long arms allow you to get into offensive linemen helping shed blocks. Mix that with your speed and you are deadly. What are some of the other strengths to your game coming off the edge?
“I am flexible. I can bend the edge quickly. I am not the strongest on the field, but I am strong. I throw some tackles down. I am also elusive. I can cut back to the B gap if needed. Most offensive linemen have slow feet, not everyone can stick with me. My speed helps me rush the QB. I have a long wingspan; if the QB steps up I can reach out and bring him down or I can step inside to get the sack.”
What are some of the other impact parts of your game?
“The field general part. The talent is on film. What you don’t see is when stuff goes bad. I am the defensive captain; I play a main role on our defense. We cannot stay in a slump if things go bad. I keep them juiced up and off to the next play.”
A couple of minutes ago you mentioned your strength. Do you have a weight room max from the offseason?
“It has been a long time since I have maxed out. The last time I maxed out on bench I got 300.”
Nice. Each day in practice, what are you working on to keep fine-tuning your craft?
“In practice I am working on accelerating out of my breaks and using my hands. I rip a lot. Watching film, there are a lot of plays I have left on the field when I could have used my hands. I am working on holding up the lineman, getting my eyes on the ball, and working on my BGOs (get off). Some plays my BGO is tremendous.”
Before the season ends, what do you want to accomplish?
“For me personally, they are team goals. Our coach gave us goals over the summer to be district champs, make the playoffs, win in the first round, and practice on Thanksgiving.”
Going into recruiting. College coaches love you. Which schools are showing interest?
“Alabama, Texas A&M, Oklahoma State, Notre Dame, Florida, and Washington.”
How many offers are you holding?
“I have 10 offers.”
Smith’s Offer Sheet (10): Arkansas, LSU, Memphis, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, TCU, Southern University, Texas, and Tulsa
Have you visited any programs yet this fall?
“Yes. I went to Texas for the LSU game and I went to Memphis with my dad, he is an alumnus of Memphis. I talk to Coach (Mike) Norvell (head coach).”
The Texas visit had to be fun. How did that go?
“Every time I go there it is crazy. The fan’s energy is off the chain. Even though they lost to LSU, hearing the fans, you’d thought they won. They are die-hard. The coaching staff made a lot of adjustments in the game. Coach (Todd) Orlando (DC) and Coach (Oscar) Giles (DL) talked to me after the game. They were heartbroken. They care badly about winning. Even the commits, they were so upset by the loss. But the energy was all positive. The talk was “this happened, what can we do better next time going forward?”
Are there any planned visits ahead?
“On Oct. 12 I am going to A&M (Alabama). I plan on going to LSU after that.”
What has you excited about going to College Station?
“I have been there on a small camp visit before. This time, I want to see how the fan base is on game day and see how the city is on game day. Seeing the environment down there has me excited for the visit.”
And the LSU visit, what has you excited about going to Baton Route?
“Oh man. I hear so much about how the whole city shuts down for LSU games. I want to see that environment.”
Clayton, it was great getting time in with you today. I hope the rest of the season and the upcoming visits all go your way.
“Thank you.”
*Related article, Clayton Smith’s teammate Landon Jackson’s RNG interview
Photo credit: Smith family; Clayton Smith at Texas and at Arkansas with Landon Jackson