Michigan State signs 2024 three-star WR Austin Clay
2024 three-star wide receiver Austin Clay, of Berea (Ohio) Midpark High School, signed with Michigan State on Wednesday. The 6-foot-1, 170-pound Clay announced his commitment to Michigan State on Sunday after spending the weekend in East Lansing on an official visit.
Clay flew under the radar for much of his recruitment and initially committed to Bowling Green over offers from Navy, Fordham, Massachusetts, Ball State, Akron and Pennsylvania.
But Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith and company made quick work on the recruiting trail, identifying Clay and inviting him to campus for an official visit. Smith retained wide receivers coach Courtney Hawkins. Hawkins became the first Power Five coach to offer Clay.
Clay is the No. 1271 overall recruit in the 2024 On3 Industry Rankings. He is also the No. 180 wide receiver and No. 51 player from Ohio in his class.
The speedy receiver totaled 49 receptions for 739 yards and seven touchdowns this fall. He added 913 yards and three more touchdowns in the return game as well. Clay will not enroll at Michigan State until the spring of 2024 due to baksetball season.
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Scouting summary
Clay is a raw receiver with elite top-end speed. He demonstrated good vision and burst in the return game, accelerating to his top gear in a flash. Clay will work to put on weight at the college level. He also needs to polish his route running, as he sometimes relied on his elite speed to blow by defenders at the high school level. Clay is solid at fielding punts as well.
Reminds us of
At 5-foot-11, former Michigan State wide receiver Jalen Nailor was a tad shorter than Clay, but he had a similar late-rising recruitment before committing to the Spartans. Nailor made an impact on special teams for Michigan State before emerging as a key receiver for the Spartans during their successful 2021 season. Nailor is now making an impact for the Minnesota Vikings as a former sixth-round NFL Draft pick.
Clay brings many similar attributes to the table, specifically the speed and ability on special teams. Hawkins molded Nailor into an NFL receiver, and Clay could have similar upside after he develops in East Lansing.
Personal life
Clay is in the midst of his high school basketball season. He set a school record with 10 steals in a game on Dec. 7. Clay ranks third in Berea-Midpark history with 97 career steals. He also ranks second in school history with 173 career assists. He will look to continue to rise up the record books during his senior season.
