Was in the 2002 Sugar Bowl. I'm sure I saw him previously that year, but the first time I remember saying his name was in the Sugar. My brother-in-law was attending LSU at the time and didn't miss a game. He pointed Clayton out and said, "That's Clayton. That dude's just a freshman. He's gonna be f'n awesome." He was right. Thanks Micheal for some great memories. I'm gonna miss watching you play for my Tigers.
How about that game against Tennessee that year when he caught the 75 yard touchdown from Rohan? That was good. I remember saying the same thing at the Sugar Bowl.
this story was not my first time, but it was memorable none the less.... TigerPT, our wives, and I sat with his in-laws in their seats in the North End Zone for the Old Miss game at LSU in 2002..... TPT had been nursing the Jack earlier and was upset that the coaches were not throwing to Mr. Clayton. As he got more verbal, toward the third quarter - we started cheering Michael Clayton, Michael Clayton, Michael Clayton!!! while stomping our feet like the mother did in the Hercules part of the Eddie Murphy movie "the Nutty Professor" We were the hit of the section, and that game propelled us to the Cotton that year.... Anyway - it's now been shortened to just MichaelClayton!!, but he's still a favorite.... Looking forward to doing this cheer for him on Sundays...
well the thing that sticks out in my mind was a play he made in a losing effort. In 2001 he dove behind a defender in the back of the endzone agaisnt ole miss. I think that was definately when I solidified my opinion that he would be a star here. I saw him play in high school so I always knew he had potential and I was extatic when he committed to LSU. But thats when I knew we hit the jackpot!
that ole miss touchdown catch was one of the best catches ive ever seen. ive always been surprised that it never was shown that much. it was 10Xs better than that one handed Willaims(usc) catch against oregon st....but i dont even think it made an ESPN top 10. does anyone have any footage of that?
Louisiana State wide receiver Michael Clayton, center, shares a laugh with his father, Milton Clayton, left, and LSU coach Nick Saban before the start of a news conference in Baton Rouge, La. Sunday afternoon, Jan. 11, 2004. Clayton announced that he would forego his senior year with the Tigers and enter the NFL draft. (AP Photo/Bill Haber) Clayton's dad looks like he would be a good prospect for the offensive or defensive line!
What about the 2001 Auburn game that was postponed because of 9-11? The game was for the SEC West. After the Auburn players stomped on the Eye of the Tiger they were penalized 15 yards on LSU's opening kickoff. Saban chose to go for an onside kick and it was Clayton who recovered for LSU.
I attended the 2001 Tennesee game that Clayton caught the long pass. But I believe the turning point for thr 2001 season was the Kentucky game. We won that game on a last minure drive. Freshman Clayton caught several short passes in that drive including the game winner from Rohan. Clayton is a winner!
