The Best we Ever Saw: Michael Clayton

What initially set Michael Clayton apart from those around him was his size. At 6-foot-4, he towered over many of those he played with, and against, the second lowest classification in Louisiana, in Class 2A.

Clayton had ability far beyond that, though, and it quickly showed on the field for Christian Life (Baton Rouge, La.). Clayton lined up at safety on defense, but he was equal parts linebacker as well, considering how he patrolled the field and had a knack for finding the ball carrier.

The current New York Giants pass catcher played wide receiver on offense, but his long, well-muscled frame actually gave Christian Life another tight end or lineman. It's no wonder that Clayton played basketball too for the Crusaders. His jumping ability, fancy footwork and sure hands made him a valuable commodity on the football field, although his high school basketball coach said Clayton had NBA potential.

As a highly prized college recruit, Clayton chose LSU and as a wide receiver helped the Tigers win the 2003 BCS national championship. It was LSU's first national championship in 45 years.

Clayton became a 2004 first-round draft choice by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In 2008, he became the first player inducted into the Christian Life Academy Hall of Fame.

The Baton Rouge area has produced an inordinate amount of tremendous football players, including Catholic High's Warrick Dunn, University High's Glen "Big Baby" Davis and Walker's Chris Hawkins.



Dunn, later a standout college and NFL running back, was an outstanding running quarterback before the Wildcat formation was even considered. Now in the NBA, Davis gave up his potential as a running back and offensive lineman to concentrate on basketball. Hawkins was a superb running back who transferred his talents to defensive back at LSU and in the NFL.

But out of all, Clayton stood taller.

MaxPreps asked its most experienced writers and freelancers to name the best high school football player they ever saw. Requirements were at least 20 years on the job and that they had to see the athlete play in person.

Dave Moormann began covering high school sports while attending the University of South Florida in the early 1970s. He's been prep editor of the St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times and the Jackson (Miss.) Clairon-Ledger. He also covered prep sports for the Baton Rouge (La.) Advocate and the Alexandria (La.) Town-Talk, for whom he was working when he saw Michael Clayton play. Moormann now is a freelance writer based in Denham Springs, La., just outside of Baton Rouge.