Antonneous Clayton calls the Florida Gators his leader

There were several big out of state prospects on the Florida Gators recruiting list on Saturday that attended the Gators big win over Tennessee and they were treated to a great game.

One of those big out of state prospects on the Florida Gators recruiting list was defensive end Antonneous Clayton (6-4, 218, Vienna, GA Dooly County), who enjoyed his time in Gainesville.

“I loved it. I mean I am speechless right now,” Clayton said following the visit. “At first I thought I had to cover up my ears like it’s too loud and then I got adjusted to the situation. Four minutes left on the clock and guys like Brandon Powell stepped up and number 81 [Antonio Callaway] stepped up. It’s real good they missed that field goal.”

The ear-popping visit shook up Clayton’s top list of schools, after maintaining that Auburn and Florida were his top two all Summer.

“Florida is my top leader right now,” he said. “I can really come in and make a big impact and I am close with the coaches and some of the players like Alex McCalister and  Vernon [Hargreaves]. I have been talking to them on Twitter building a relationship with them and learning what it takes to make it here. Them winning that game like that makes it go up even more.”

Clayton liked the Florida Gators defense a lot last year and under head coach Jim McElwain Clayton says he still feels that way.

“I look at Florida as kind of a defensive school and I can kind of fit in and be an impact player,” Clayton said. “These past couple of games they played ECU and Kentucky and all them. I just have a good vibe about them.”

The Georgia defensive end remains a top target on the Florida Gators recruiting board but Clayton says that he isn’t sure about another SEC school.

“Besides Florida I would say Auburn, Oregon, and probably Clemson,” Clayton said of whom else is after him. “I was feeling Auburn but it’s just, I don’t know. I’m not saying they’re losing love but it seems like ever since Marlon Davidson committed there they just stopped hitting me up. There is just one guy hitting me up and that’s Scott Fountain. It was Will Muschamp a lot but it’s not anymore. As far as I am concerned I’m more focused on Florida now.”

One thing’s for sure and that is the Florida Gators recruiting love won’t stop anytime soon for Clayton and he plans to return to Gainesville for the Ole Miss game and also another game.

“[I’ll] Probably come back to Florida for the FSU game for an official visit,” Clayton said.  “Probably signing day [for when I will make a decision.]

INSIDERS TAKE: If Clayton does indeed show up for this week’s game against Ole Miss then the Florida Gators should definitely feel good about things. With Auburn dying off then you could possibly see Clayton make a decision sooner than signing day.

Andrew Spivey
Andrew always knew he wanted to be involved with sports in some capacity. He began by coaching high school football for six years before deciding to pursue a career in journalism. While coaching, he was a part of two state semifinal teams in the state of Alabama. Given his past coaching experience, he figured covering recruiting would be a perfect fit. He began his career as an intern for Rivals.com, covering University of Florida football recruiting. After interning with Rivals for six months, he joined the Gator Country family as a recruiting analyst. Andrew enjoys spending his free time on the golf course and watching his beloved Atlanta Braves. Follow him on Twitter at @AndrewSpiveyGC.