Running Back John Clay is a Key to the Wisconsin Badgers Success in the 2010 College Football Season

In 2009 University of Wisconsin running back John Clay racked up an impressive total of 1517 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. Clay played in every Badger game, but didn't start until the third game of the season. That didn't curtail his production in game two, as he rushed for 143 yards on just 21 carries in the Badgers' 34-31 victory over Fresno State. Big things are expected of the Badgers, ranked No. 12 in the USA Today coaches poll going into the 2010 season, and John Clay will be a major factor in the Wisconsin Badgers offense.

John Clay's Football Career before 2009

John Clay had an impressive high school football record. Playing at Racine (WI) Park High School, Clay rushed for over 5000 yards and scored 58 touchdowns. He led Park to a state title in his junior season of 2005, and rushed for 239 yards and three touchdowns on just 19 carries in the championship game. Clay was heavily recruited but elected to stay in Wisconsin to play for the Badgers.

Clay was redshirted in his first year with Wisconsin, and made his debut with the Badgers in 2008. He played in every game in 2008, rushing for 884 yards and nine touchdowns. His 884 yards was the seventh best total in the Big Ten.

John Clay's 2009 Season

Clay rushed for only 43 yards in the Badgers opener with Northern Illinois, but he did score two touchdowns in the game. That was his lowest rushing yardage of the season. Things took off the next week in the Fresno State game with that 143 yard performance. He rushed for over 100 yards or more in eight of the Badgers' twelve regular season games. His best performances included a 184 yard, three touchdown effort against Minnesota and a three touchdown, 172 yard game against Hawaii. The Badgers finished 9-3 on the season and earned a trip to the Champs Sports Bowl where they faced Miami (FL). Clay rushed for 121 yards and scored two touchdowns in the Badgers 20-14 victory over the Hurricanes, and was named the game's Most Valuable Player.

The 2010 Season

Clay was bothered by ankle injuries during the 2009 season. He had surgery on both ankles in the offseason, and is expected to be better than ever in 2010. The 6-1, 250 pound Clay is quite a load for opposing tacklers as it is; now with two good ankles, he'll be even more difficult to catch and bring down. Based on his performance in 2009, John Clay's name is mentioned as possible candidate for the Heisman Trophy.

If Clay is to impress the Heisman voters, he will need to have stronger performances against Ohio State and Iowa than he had last season. Last year, both Ohio State and Iowa finished 11-2 with Ohio State winning the Rose Bowl and Iowa winning the Orange Bowl. The Buckeyes and Hawkeyes are again considered to be the best in the Big Ten. In last year's game against Ohio State, Clay was held to just 59 yards rushing on 20 carries. He was somewhat better the next week with 75 yards on 21 attempts, plus he caught 3 passes for 23 more yards. But he was held scoreless in both games, which were Badger losses. He will need to have better games against the Big Ten's best to emerge as a leading contender for the Heisman trophy. The Badgers host Ohio State on October 16th, and travel to Iowa on October 23rd.

John Clay will play a key role in the Wisconsin Badgers offense in 2010. He gained over 1500 yards in 2009 on sore ankles, so with those taken care of now, he's capable of an even better season in 2010.

Sources:

John Clay Player Biography Page from UWBadgers.com

John Clay Statistics from ESPN.com

Lea, Tom. Like a Rock: John Clay Eyes the Heisman Trophy. Maple Street Press Badger Kickoff 2010

Ten Big Game Changers: Wisconsin Running Back John Clay

UW Football Preview: Running Backs