Head coach Nick Saban has stressed finding leaders since spring football started two weeks ago and will look for Michael Clayton to fill that role before the Tigers open the season Aug. 30 against the University of Louisiana-Monroe.
“He’s had a great offseason,” Saban said of the junior wide receiver. “He’s starting to step up and be assertive as a leader, which I think is good. I think the guys respond to him because everybody respects him.”
Clayton, who caught 57 passes for 749 yards and five touchdowns in LSU’s 8-5 season, will be the lead man on a group of receivers trying to regain its 2001 form.
“As leaders go, other guys step in, and that’s been a big part of this team,” Clayton said. “Certain leaders have to step up, and we have those [leaders].”
After compiling 3,578 passing yards in 2001, including 1,740 receiving yards on 94 receptions from Josh Reed, the Tigers’ wideouts only gained 1,990 in 2002 with first-time starters Matt Mauck and Marcus Randall sharing time at quarterback.
“Right now, I feel like everyone out there has experience, they know how it is to play collegiate football,” Clayton said. “The gameplan this year is going to be so explosive because we know exactly what to attack. It’s going to be a big difference from last year.”
Clayton battled injuries late in his first season, which carried over into 2002, Saban said. Because of his injuries, Clayton could not go through offseason workouts at full speed, which hurt his 2002 performance, Saban said.
“I don’t think he ever really got in great shape before the season started,” Saban said. “We were probably a third of the way through the year before he was really totally himself.”
Clayton said participating in spring drills vastly improved his game, and he can see his progress when watching film.
“It’s the best I’ve ever felt,” Clayton said. “I’m stronger, faster and pain free everywhere. I feel like nothing is holding me back.”
This year’s group will need two players to replace Reggie Robinson and Jerel Myers, who combined for 24 catches, 300 receiving yards and one touchdown last year.
Senior Devery Henderson may help fill those shoes, making 23 catches for 447 yards after converting from running back last year.
Henderson had three touchdowns against Kentucky last November, including the 75-yard, game-winning catch dubbed “The Bluegrass Miracle.”
Henderson, who missed the last two games of the season with a broken arm he suffered against Ole Miss, is a converted running back like Reed was in 2001. He said the coaches have been working with him, helping to get use to it.
“It’s still new to me, but as I go through spring practice, I’m working on the little things more,” Henderson said.
Sophomore Skyler Green also could see more action, despite only catching seven balls, including a 67-yard touchdown grab against Arkansas.
LSU’s No. 1-rated recruiting class will bring more talented players into the receiving mix as well, and incoming freshmen Amp Hill, Dwayne Bowe and Craig Davis may contribute. Henderson said he will try his best to help the new players feel welcome.
“As a senior, my role should be to welcome them in, take them under my wing and help them out as much as I can,” Henderson said.