John Clay

Clay was one of the most highly-recruited skill-position players ever to sign with his home state Badgers. After redshirting in 2007, he crashed Wisconsin's star-studded top 10 in career rushing with 3,413 yards. Clay redshirted in 2007 because of depth at the position. The following year, he backed up P.J. Hill, rushing for 884 yards and nine touchdowns on 195 carries. He started eight of 13 games in which he played in 2009, gaining 1,517 yards and scoring 18 times on 287 carries. Coaches voted him Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and first-team all-conference, and he was named Champs Sports Bowl MVP with 22 carries for 121 yards and two carries in the win over Miami (Fla.). Clay was part of a three-man backfield as a junior, garnering second-team all-conference accolades while accumulating 1,012 yards and 14 TDs on 187 carries. Clay decided to leave UW when his draft stock wasn't at its apex. A bit older than most rookies at 23, he was out of shape at the beginning of the 2010 season after undergoing surgeries on both ankles, and also missed two games with a knee injury. Some power backs had big years in the NFL in 2010, and Clay's ability to pound the ball when healthy and motivated will intrigue scouts looking for that sort of back in the top half of the draft.

outside running

Capable of following guards off-tackle and getting to the sideline, though NFL defenders will likely track him down easily. Not elusive in the open field, but will occasionally sidestep a defensive back. Has lacked a burst or second gear to beat NFL defenders since bulking up over the past two seasons. Losing weight could greatly increase his value.

inside running

This area needs to be his strength to succeed at the next level. Picks through traffic at the line with quick lateral footwork. Sniffs the goal line, bulls through traffic to find the end zone. Lowers his pads upon contact. Patient following pulling guards and fullbacks. Cuts back on zone blocks but stutter-steps instead of a more decisive plant-and-go burst. Had four fumbles, three lost in 2008, six and two in 2009, none in 2010. Plays with inconsistent aggression, does not always destroy smaller defenders. Vision is a major question, dropping his head or standing up when reaching a defender and missing huge holes at times to run into traffic. Takes a hop-step out of his stance. Gives marginal effort on play-action fakes.

intangibles

Turned 23 in January. Had offseason surgery in 2010 to correct both ankles, also missed two-plus games with a knee injury as a junior. Has weight issues and a reputation among scouts for not being aggressive enough on the field or working as hard as he should off it. No major character concerns.

breaking tackles

Does not break as many tackles as expected at his size because of a running style bordering on passive. Can carry defenders on his back when focused, but his legs go dead on contact too often. Jumps over defenders on the ground with good balance, but also gets tripped up easily because of his height.

receiving

Not experienced as a receiver (11 catches for 72 yards in three seasons) in the Badgers' system. Will not elude veteran cornerbacks in the flat but flashes an ability to make one man miss to get six to eight yards. Shows some ability to make crisp cuts on out routes. Will need to prove reliable hands out of the backfield in training camp.

blocking

Not used in pass protection often despite his bulk. Has the strength and footwork to get better, but technique and effort were lacking. Unlikely to be used in obvious passing situations.

Played in U.S. Army All-American game

listed as a Velocity/PrepStar 100 selection (No. 10 running back in the nation)

No. 11 on Detroit Free Press "Best of the Midwest" listing

named to SuperPrep All-America team

No. 4 running back in the nation and No. 2 player in Wisconsin according to Rivals.com

nation's No. 12 running back according to Scouts, Inc.

three-time, first-team all-state selection

two-time state player of the year

three-time team MVP

spent one year as a team captain

rushed for 1,485 yards and 15 TDs on 170 carries as a senior after registering 2,032 yards and 30 TDs on 162 carries the year before

led team to state title as a junior

career rushing totals include 5,005 yards and 58 TDs on 509 carries

earned four letters in football and three in track

a two-time 4 X 100 meter state finalist

football coach was Dennis Thompson.

Parents are Sara and John Clay

major is family, consumer and community education.