The Wisconsin Badgers will likely need to put some youth to the test during the upcoming season, and one such defender could step up to the plate.
Wisconsin had one of the busier portal periods this year, but plenty of holes were leftover on the roster that will now likely be filled by 2025 class additions and developing players buried on the depth chart. Nicolas Clayton, a four-star signing in the 2025 class, has been an addition that could have a great early impact on the field for the team given his skill set and the need for more disruption on defense.
Over the past two seasons the Wisconsin defensive rush has been one of the more disappointing parts of the team. The Badgers have struggled to generate much pressure on the quarterback and often sacks felt like a rare occurrence for the team.
Wisconsin needs someone who can disrupt the offense and offer a different look along the defensive line. Clayton should be just the man given his rare and developing skill set which is not necessarily the type that Wisconsin typically tries to go after.
Wisconsin Badgers Staff Plans to Utilize Nicolas Clayton Heavily During Freshman Season
On the field Clayton is still considered to be a developing prospect despite being a four-star ranked recruit due to his growing frame. The edge rusher stands tall at 6-foot-5-inches and nearly 230-pounds and getting used to his frame is something that has taken time for the recruit.
Clayton performed very well during his final high school games and subsequent college recruiting camps which have shown signs of quick development. The defender recorded low sack numbers during his junior year with just three but had begun to display a different look on defense with a quick release off of the edge. Clayton is a first-step player who is most dangerous on the field right when the football is snapped.
The defender is fast off of the edge with long limbs and even longer strides, making the distance from the edge to the quarterback feel like mere inches when Clayton is on the field. Clayton can burst out of a two-point stance and catch many offensive tackles by surprise with his reaction time.
For the Wisconsin Badgers, Clayton could present a massive boost in the pass-rush given his rare combination of length and speed. Wisconsin predominantly has recruited more powerful edge rushers in the past or players with quicker moves off of the edge. However, none such recruits in the past have been quite as fast as Clayton and the speed could be what offsets the powerful look Wisconsin presents along the rest of the defensive line.
Additionally, Clayton has a tremendous gas tank on the field and often plays a high motor up-tempo style of football. Even if Clayton cannot fully learn how to utilize his frame during the upcoming season, playing as a sub-package player could be something Wisconsin considers given his ability to consistently stay fresh.
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