Diamond in the Rough: Ashaad Clayton

Ashaad Clayton is a 6’0” 210lbs five-star junior running back from Easton High School in New Orleans, Louisiana. Ashaad Clayton is known for his excellent speed, strength, and vision which draws comparison to that of Leonard Fournette and Alvin Kamara. Clayton the 2^nd ranked running back in the state of Louisiana. Clayton runs a 4.37 in the 40-yard which is why his speed is rated a 10/10. Clayton’s other ratings were tested out at an 8/10 in height, 9/10 in weight, 10/10 in agility, 10/10 in strength, 10/10 in hands, 10/10 in footwork, and 10/10 in vision. Clayton also finished his junior year with over 2,000 yards.

When did you start playing football and when did you start to love playing football?

I started playing football at the age of four and I started to love football after I scored my first touchdown when I was four. Afterwards I realized that playing football is what I wanted to do.

What are some life lessons you have learned from playing football?

I have learned that you cant do everything by yourself you need others to lean on. I have also learned about how important building a brotherhood is with trust. Football has helped me stay on track and has kept out of trouble.

What kind of football player are you?

I feel like I have my own style of aggression and I play with a ton of passion. When I am on the field I take all of my anger and that is my fuel for when I have the ball in my hands to just run over any defender that is in my way. My anger comes from everything that I have been through in life and that is what motivates me on the field.

What is the best game you have ever played in so far?

The semi-finals my junior year, we played against Leesville. I ran for 275 and 3 touchdowns which each one being over 60 yards. That game was just unbelievable, it was definitely the best game I have ever played in so far.

Do you have any hobbies outside of football?

I play games like basketball, working out with my friends, and I watch Netflix.

What made you decide to be a running back?

Whats interesting is that I started playing quarterback when I was four years old, but because my coach thought that I was too big to play quarterback so he switched me to running back. The first time I played running back I learned a lot and I kept me wanting to learn more on how to be a great running back the more I scored touchdowns.

What is your greatest strength on the football field?

My football IQ because I know where the hole is going to open up, I know where the cutback is going to be, my vision, and I like to just outwork other people.

What is a part of your game that you are trying to improve?

My vision and patience because sometimes I will make the wrong but not often but its an area of my game that can always get better at especially at the next level.

Are there any football players you try to model yourself after?

Ever since I was smaller people have said that I remind them of Leonard Fournette. Even in high school people have called me “Baby Leonard” and also people have said that my running style is similar to Alvin Kamara.

What are your goals for your senior year?

My goal for my senior year is to win the state championship we will accept nothing less.