100 Days to Football Time in Oklahoma: #20 Clayton Smith

Player Profile

Position: Defensive End

Height: 6’4″

Weight: 231

Class: Redshirt Freshman

Seasons at OU: 1

Hometown: Queen City, TX

The Path to Norman

Clayton Smith arrived in Norman as one of the highest-rated defensive recruits in quite some time; the only defensive recruit since 2009 who was ranked higher (per 247) was Caleb Kelly. OU was one of his first offers back in May, 2019, and was his very first Big 12 offer. He made it to Norman for the summer BBQ in 2019. Former Coach Cain joined the Sooners staff early 2020 and joined the Smith recruitment immediately. Shortly after Coach Cain arrived, OU got the good news.

Career so Far

Smith took a redshirt season in 2021, but still played in the max four games. He showed off his athleticism during his playing time.

Stats

Year: 2021

Games Played: 4

Tackles: 3

TFL: 0.5

FR: 1

Stats via Soonersports.com

Highlights

This Season

Smith has all the physical tools to be an excellent pass rusher. He worked at outside linebacker/ Rush last season, but is now working at defensive end. The starters at that spot this season are likely to be Reggie Grimes and Ethan Downs, with Jonah Laulu and Marcus Stripling right behind them. Brynden Walker and Smith will contribute at the spot as well as the continue growing in the defense. It may take one more season for him to consistently contribute, but Smith’s athleticism is going to make him hard to keep off the field.