Michael Clayton committed to American football on Saturday night as the Big Ten program built a strong relationship with the Georgia athlete.
Offered by Rutgers in late May, Clayton quickly scheduled an official visit with the Scarlet Knights. And it was over the weekend, during this official visit, that Clayton committed to Rutgers.
A 6-foot-1, 170-pound wide receiver and cornerback in Northern High School (Warner Robins, Georgia), Clayton has impressive speed and agility. Rutgers was his first Power Five offer, but there would likely be more this summer and fall.
He is a three-star recruit and the No. 51 cornerback in the country, according to 247 Sports.
The decision to commit to Rutgers on the official visit, he said, was based on his feelings during the visit.
“Well, Rutgers really had everything I was looking for and my entire experience was great,” Clayton told Rutgers Wire on Sunday night.
“It seemed like a great fit and after thinking, praying and talking to my parents, I saw no reason not to go ahead and make my decision.”
His other official visits to central Michigan and Georgia, he said, have been canceled.
“I’m shutting everything down,” Clayton said.
“I am 100% committed.”
Clayton had 35 total tackles and five passes defensed in 10 games played as a junior.
The weekend exposed Clayton to life at Rutgers while also allowing him to continue building his relationship with the program.
Asked what stood out about the program, Clayton didn’t point to any moment. Instead, he talked about the mindset of everyone within the Rutgers football structure.
“The unity of the entire program,” Clayton said.
“Everyone is united and serious about doing their part to build the best team possible – whether players or staff.”
