Interview: Prolific 1,200-Yard 3-Star 2021 California WR Clay Petry Still Being Overlooked
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The film does not lie, and the stats back it up – Class of 2021 receiver Clay Petry was a dominating force for Bishop’s High School during the 2019 season. The 6-2, 210-pound, target blew up Division-II California squads a year ago coming down with 68 passes for 1,204 yards with 14 scores, and doubled on defense for the Knights. The All-CIF honors backed up a breakout sophomore campaign where he threw for 670 yards with 11 touchdowns, rushed for 269 yards with a score, and secured 29 receptions for 293 yards with another score while posting a 30-tackle season. Programs checking out the San Diego area product are dropping offers with 12 scholarships extended thus far, but he still has the feel of an overlooked recruit putting everything together. The skills will be showcased during the 2020 season with Helix High School perhaps bringing in a new mix of recruiting interest.
In another visit to the RNG Lab, Petry catches us up on his offseason workouts and new roles with the Highlanders.
*Click link for April 28 RNG interview with Clay Petry
Interview
Clay, you left off the 2019 season putting up video game numbers in the Knights’ Spread offense. Since we last spoke back in the spring, what have you been working on with the details of your game?
My speed. That was not an area where I was under-performing but it is an area where I could get better. I want one-play drive ability taking a 60-yard slant for a touchdown. I have also been working on my run after the catch, stuff like that.
Over the offseason you transferred to Helix. What style of offense will you be running with the Highlanders during the 2020 season?
We are in a Spread out of the Pistol. We have receivers on the field trying to push the ball downfield making plays vertically.
What routes will you be running this season and where are you lining up?
I am lining up everywhere, outside and inside. For the routes, I am running goes, posts, corner, drags, slants, and curls. A little bit of everything.
You got snaps in on defense last season coming away with a couple of picks. Are you taking on any defensive roles with Helix this season?
I am not sure yet. There are talks that I might play some defense, but everything is undetermined right now.
We talked about what you’ve been working on overall, let’s go deeper. How have you worked on improving your hand strength?
I’ve been doing hands in the rice, moving it around, fingertip push-ups, and looking for other creative ways to improve my hand strength. I want to develop it to where once the ball hits my hands it is not going anywhere.
What have you been doing to improve your overall strength?
With the quarantine I have had more time and during this time I have been consistent in weight room. My legs have gotten bigger. I am working on lower body trying to go DK Metcalf (Seahawks) style. I have been working towards that, I want to pass the eye test.
And with your agility training?
A lot of cones, ladders, and short-range burst drills; that kind of thing. I’ve been working on getting in and out of my cuts. One of my new coaches, our running back coach, is working with me on getting my jump cuts right.
You mentioned working on improving your speed, what kind of training have you been doing to make that happen?
I work with a trainer, he works with pro and Olympic athletes. I was with him for eight weeks doing sprints and 40 starts. After working with him, I have seen my speed increase from 20.6 to 21 miles per hour. Before that, I was in the high 18s.
Nice. Let’s talk recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
Schools that have offered are showing a lot of love. Nevada is really the only school showing interest that has not offered.
How many offers are you holding now?
Twelve.
Which program was the last to offer?
Northern Colorado.
Petry’s Offer Sheet: Air Force, Boise State, Cal-Poly, Columbia, Holy Cross, Lehigh, Nevada, Northern Colorado, Pennsylvania, San Diego State, UNLV, and Yale
This summer, did you take any virtual visits?
Yes. I took a couple. It is nice that schools are showing love wanting me to do virtual visits.
Which programs took you on visits?
I did Lehigh, Yale, and I think I will do Columbia soon.
Once campuses open back up, are there any planned trips or trips you’d like to take on the schedule?
I just got back from Boise State. I could not talk to anyone, but I checked out the city. If things opened up tomorrow, I would be on so many flights to places like UNLV, Nevada, Yale, east coast Ivies, Lehigh, and places like that.
With this season being an anomaly in more ways than one, how are you approaching the recruiting process?
It is definitely accelerated my process more. I am closer to making a decision now. If I looked at this a year ago, I would have never said that. My plan was to wait as long as I can. But things are different now. I am not sure about the open options. Still, this recruiting process has been fun.
Being close, do you have a commitment date in mind or a time frame when you might commit?
No, there is no range. If I had to say something, maybe by the end of the month or by mid-next month if things work out.
Are you going to release a top schools list?
I don’t think I will.
Clay, as always, thank you for your time today and keep up the hard work this offseason.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Petry family; Clay Petry offseason workouts