Akron lands center prospect
East St. Louis (Ill.) standout John Clay Jr. committed to Akron on Tuesday, giving the Zips their first public commitment in the class of 2011.
"I did some research on Akron, and I like that they are in a good football conference," Clay said. "They are playing some good teams out of conference too. My father and I talked it over and thought it was a good idea to commit so I went ahead and did it."
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Offensive line coach Mitch Browning led the charge for Akron. Clay is expected to play center for the Zips.
"He coached at Minnesota when they had a good rushing game," Clay said. "I have a good relationship with him."
Akron will be led in 2010 by first-year head coach Rob Ianello.
"I think he is a good coach, and I trust their coaching staff," Clay said.
Clay has never visited Akron, but plans to camp there in July.
"I know they have really good facilities. I also know their stadium is brand new."
Akron is Clay's only offer. He said Kansas and Kansas State were expressing plenty of interest. Clay said is open to the idea of giving a school a look if he picks up an offer.
In the meantime, he is preparing for his senior season at East St. Louis High School. The Flyers return plenty of talent, including Rivals100 Kentucky commit Glen Faulkner, and other major program commitments Keante Minor (Arkansas) and Clint Tucker (Kentucky).
"We have a pretty good team this year, we are expecting to win the state championship. It is my senior year and we have a good senior class coming back. We expect to dominate and capture a state championship this year."