Roughnecks Sign Former Clemson LB Antonio Clay
September 17, 2009 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
West Texas Roughnecks News Release
ODESSA, TX. : The Odessa Roughnecks announced on Thursday, September 17, 2009 that the organization has signed former Clemson Linebacker, Antonio Clay, for the 2010 season. Clay (6'0", 230 lbs.) was with the Clemson program from 2005-2007. In '07, Clay played in all 13 games for the Tigers including the Chick-fil-A Bowl against the Auburn Tigers. He would finish the 2007 season recording 43 tackles (24 solo) and two tackles for loss.
Clay held his most productive season as a sophomore in 2006 by starting in every game for Clemson, finishing as Clemson's third-leading tackler with 95 tackles (66 solo) including 9.5 tackles for loss. Clay received ACC Defensive Player of the Week honors in Clemson's win over No. 13 Georgia Tech (31-7). In that game Clay registered three tackles for loss including a sack and 13 total tackles. Clay finished 23rd in tackles per game in the ACC and sixth among all sophomores.
"Clay could become a difference-maker for our defense in 2010. He has NFL-caliber talent and he has the athletic ability to slow down the running game, provide pressure on the quarterback and cover down field in passing situations. I am definitely looking forward to having him on our defense next season." stated Odessa Roughnecks Head Coach, Chris Williams.
As a freshman in 2005 with Clemson, Clay played in every game including one start against Temple where he recorded nine tackles. In that same season, Clay registered three tackles versus Maryland and four versus No. 25 Boston College. Clay played 185 snaps in 2005 which ranked fourth among first-year freshman and seventh among all freshman. He ranked 14th on the team in tackles (27) and recorded at least one tackle in every game during the season. He additionally recorded two tackles for loss and a sack in '05.
Coming out of high school in 2004, Clay was a SuperPrep All-American who was ranked as the 28th best linebacker in the nation and the ninth best overall player in the state of Georgia according to SuperPrep. Clay had 136 total tackles, 18 tackles for loss and six sacks as a senior at Twiggs County High. Clay selected Clemson University over other interested programs such as Alabama, Auburn, Florida and Ohio State.
For further information regarding these topics please contact the Odessa Roughnecks Front Office at (432) 332 - PASS (7277) or visit the official website of the Odessa Roughnecks at www.odessaroughnecks.com. Season tickets are on sale now for the 2010 season. Reserve your spot for the 2010 Roughnecks season by calling (432) 332 - PASS (7277).
Indoor Football League Stories from September 17, 2009
- Roughnecks Sign Former Clemson LB Antonio Clay - West Texas Roughnecks
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