MADISON, Wis. — Nick Clayton’s one of a few University of Wisconsin freshmen who’ve made a quick transition to the college game.
Clayton was still chasing high school quarterbacks at this point last fall at Gainesville Buchholz High School in Florida, then went on to become an All-American Bowl participant and early enrollee at Wisconsin in January. He considerably bulked up from 200 to 237 pounds from the winter to the summer, and he’s currently now sitting around 230 as a contributor on special teams and defense.
“It’s definitely been a big jump, I would say,” Clayton said. “From the All-American (Bowl) to going back to here, I mean, it was a really big jump. It was really a lot of fun.
“My first game coming in, it was a really crazy atmosphere, and just being able to play has been a blessing.”
Here’s the breakdown of Badger Observer’s conversation with Clayton on Tuesday:
His journey from this time last year to now, with emerging as an All-American Bowl standout to Wisconsin early enrollee and now contributor on special teams and defense
His strengths right now
What goes into being on the punt return team and trying to block a punt
Where he’s seen himself grow the most since arriving in Madison
