The Stallions quarterback has had interest from Norfolk State, Kent State and VMI
Watch South County’s DeAndre Clayton lead his team to victory over Westfield earlier this season. (Video by Josh Apple for Synthesis/Koubaroulis LLC / The Washington Post)
September 29, 2015, 4:21 p.m. — South County senior quarterback DeAndre Clayton has had to share the spotlight behind center with junior Michael Salisbury at times throughout the past two seasons. After starting most of last season, Clayton was demoted to second string for the playoffs.
In the pre-season competitions in Lorton, Va., Clayton won the quarterback battle and had been dubbed the starter entering the season. However, he was suffering severe cramps that landed him and the hospital and caused him to miss the first game against Briar Woods entirely, as Salisbury led the squad to victory.
In the second game against a highly-ranked Westfield team, Clayton was back in action but had to split time with his counterpart. Although Salisbury got the start, Clayton took over as the first half progressed and never let go. He went 17-of-19 for 192 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 33 yards in the relief effort, as the Stallions emerged victorious in a tough battle on the road.
Clayton has been in charge of the offense ever since.
In the win over Hayfield in the third game, Clayton led the Stallions to a 70-point outing and Salisbury moved over to running back. This proved to be a recipe for success as Salisbury rushed for 146 yards on just five carries in the game.
Although putting 70 points on the scoreboard is impressive, Clayton’s performance this past Friday in the win over West Springfield was his most impressive to date. Clayton had never thrown more than three touchdowns in a game in his career, and he doubled that output, even shocking himself with the effort.
“Once I got to three I was surprised, but I kept going,” Clayton said.
He finished the game 22-of-29 for 301 yards and six touchdowns and rushed for another 126 yards. The top highlight of the game was his 90-yard touchdown connection with sophomore standout receiver Dillon Spalding.
“It just felt great, everyone is coming together this year,” Clayton said. “We have more experience because most of us played last year and we know how to play with each other.”
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This astounding display helped improve the Stallions to a 4-0 record and a No. 4 ranking in the Washington Post AllMetSports poll. With flashes of brilliance in the past, Clayton is now heading in a direction of consistency and is the clear starting quarterback on a team known for its up-tempo, explosive offense.
“It’s been a lot of fun seeing how many points we can put up on the board and seeing what we can do,” Clayton said.
Watch Top Football Plays 2015, Episode 5, featuring DeAndre Clayton’s six-touchdown performance as the No. 6 play. (Video by Nick Plum for Synthesis/Koubaroulis LLC / The Washington Post)
Clayton understands how beneficial it has been to have so many great weapons around him. With Salisbury switching to running back, Spalding catching deep passes, along with the aid of other key contributors like Nate Avery, Soloman Simay and DeMarcus Ramsey, the fast-paced scheme has been nearly unstoppable.
Spalding has amassed 709 receiving yards and nine touchdowns through just four games this season.
“He’s someone I can always trust to throw the ball to and know he’s going to make the catch,” Clayton said. “I never have to worry when I’m throwing him the ball.”
Spalding broke out last year as a freshman and has stepped up his game this season, crediting the extra work put in with his quarterback.
“We built a strong relationship over the off-season,” Spalding said, “started passing around a lot in the free time and hanging out. It really built our chemistry.”
Clayton’s strong performances have caught the attention of several colleges, including Norfolk State, Kent State and VMI. He attended the Norfolk State football game this past Saturday and has previously visited Kent State, but has yet to check out the VMI campus.
Thus far, there is no clear favorite, and he says he would be happy to be a part of any of the three programs. He does not have any more visits set in place yet but hopes to continue with his visits in the near future.
For the quarterback, the most important aspect in picking his next institution is finding the best football fit for his game and skill set.
“I’m more of a passer but I run when I have to,” Clayton said. “I’m kind of a dual threat but I’m always looking to pass before I run it.”
Similar to the spark he has provided for the Stallions, Clayton believes he can be an important addition to a collegiate roster for his ability and effort.
“I bring high energy, a guy that will always give 100 percent,” Clayton said, “and I can make plays with the ball in my hand.”
Despite the talent and his knack for igniting an offense, he understands he has room for improvement before becoming a quarterback at the college level.
“Definitely I need to work on going through my reads, making better reads and going through my progression quicker,” Clayton said.
Before moving on to the next level, Clayton has some unfinished business with the Stallions. Last season the squad went 9-1 in the regular season, but won just a single playoff game before falling to Battlefield. He hopes for more this season.
“Individually I want to be All-State and All-Met,” Clayton said. “For the team I want us to go to States and win it, and to go undefeated.”
The Stallions return to action this Friday at T.C. Williams. The biggest test left on the schedule is the final regular season game at No. 3 Lake Braddock.
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