The Brownstown Central football team’s strongest member is one of the quietest guys on the roster.
Senior Clay Wilkerson lets his play at offensive and defensive tackle do the talking.
Prior to the start of the season, Wilkerson was the lone Brave to join the 1,000 pounds club — a contest that combines bench, parallel squat and power clean.
“Ironically, when I looked at the superstars competition for weights, I didn’t have him listed on the 1,000 pounds club,” Braves coach Reed May said. “He’s so quiet and doesn’t say anything. You don’t have a lot of kids in the 1,000 pounds. He, like our other kids, takes pride in our weights.”
Around 6-foot-4 and 300 pounds, Wilkerson commands the right guard position on offense and harasses the opposition at defensive tackle.
“I prefer offense,” Wilkerson said. “I like blocking for my teammates and letting them get touchdowns. I prefer run blocking. I focus on my footwork and blocking until the whistle.”
Wilkerson works on an offensive line that has plowed the way for an offense that has scored 97 points in the first two games of the season.
One of Wilkerson’s strengths is his footwork.
The senior said that he is considering playing football after high school.
“I might try and play college football,” Wilkerson said. “I would still want to play on the offensive and defensive line. I think my speed might transfer well to college (athletics).”
May said he believes Wilkerson has the tools to help make big plays.
“He’s a big kid, which we don’t usually have and has great feet,” May said. “I think he has a shot at the next level if he wants to play. He’s got the tools to play at the next level. He does a good job at pass protection and starts both ways for us. He can play most of the game for us without rest. In big games, we need him on the field.”
May said that Wilkerson has turned into a leader for the Braves with his actions on the field, and has gained the respect of the teammates and coaches from his play and in the weight room.
In the spring, Wilkerson will compete in his second year on the Braves’ track and field team.
Wilkerson, who works the throwing events, will compete in the shot put and discus.
Wilkerson said he believes his furthest throw in the shot is 43 feet and 121 feet in the discus.
“I did track and field in middle school but stopped and came out again last year,” Wilkerson said. “I like shot better because I feel like I’m better at that.”
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Parents: George and April
Siblings: Addie and Kaley
Sports: Football, four years; track, two years
Athletic highlights: Playing Charlestown at Lucas Oil Stadium (2014)
Organizations: Booster club, Lettermans Club
Plans after high school: Attend college
Favorite food: Steak
Favorite TV show: “SportsCenter”
Favorite singer/musician: J. Cole
Favorite movie: “Love and Basketball”
Favorite athlete/team: Indianapolis Colts
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Q: Coming from Medora, why did you decide to get involved in football in sixth grade?
A: “I thought I would just try out because in Medora, we didn’t have football there. It was a new sport. There are a lot more students and opportunities here. I like that it’s a little bit bigger here.”
Q: What are your expectations for this football season?
A: “I feel like we should be able to go pretty far this year. Hopefully we can take it all the way.”
Q: What will you miss most about Brownstown after graduation?
A: “I’m gonna miss the coaches and teammates. I’m really going to miss football.”
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