Gary Clinton possesses all the attributes that define a standout tight end.
That’s not only the opinion of longtime Webb City football coach John Roderique, but also the assessment of a large number of NCAA Division I coaching staffs.
A 6-foot-4, 230-pound senior who earned all-state and all-conference recognition a year ago, Clinton will once again be a key performer for the Class 4 defending state champion Cardinals.
“Gary’s such a diverse player for us,” Roderique said. “His speed is good, he’s got size, he’s athletic and he’s smart. He’s a real weapon catching the football. For a tight end, he checks every box.”
Clinton has shown the ability to catch passes in traffic, and with his size, is tough to bring down. In 2019, Clinton hauled in seven passes for 119 yards and two scores. He had 105 receiving yards as a sophomore.
But those statistics don’t tell the whole story of Clinton’s contributions.
Clinton’s superb blocking ability against opposing defenses will continue to be crucial to Webb City’s successful running attack.
Clinton approaches the game with a workmanlike mindset.
“I just want to make an impact with our passing game and with our running game,” Clinton said at the conclusion of last Friday’s jamboree at Cardinal Stadium. “With us, it all starts with the running game. It all starts up front, so I have to be physical to help our running game. I just try to get my job done. And now that I’m a senior, I want to be more of a leader.”
Arguably the top prep tight end in Southwest Missouri, Clinton received numerous college offers before verbally committing to NCAA Division I Arkansas State last month.
So why Arkansas State?
“I have family down there and I know a couple people who are going to school there,” Clinton said, noting that Carthage lineman Aiden Logan also verbally committed to the school located in Jonesboro. “I definitely liked the coaching staff. They’re all very nice. They’re all Christians and just down to earth guys who will talk to you and help you get better.”
Clinton also received offers from Army, Missouri State, Southeast Missouri State, Western Illinois, Eastern Illinois, Southern Illinois, Illinois State, Northern Iowa, Murray State and Northern Colorado before deciding on the Red Wolves of the Sun Belt Conference.
“I’m really excited for him,” Roderique said. “Dalton Ford went there a few years ago, so we’re familiar with their program. I have a lot of respect for (Arkansas State Head Coach) Blake Anderson and what he does there. I couldn’t be happier for Gary.”
According to 247Sports, Clinton also received recruiting interest from Missouri, Kansas State, Louisville, Colorado and Memphis.
On 247Sports’s Class of 2021 rankings for the state of Missouri, Clinton is listed at No. 43 (teammate Devrin Weathers is No. 21 and Carthage’s Logan is No. 27).
Roderique noted Clinton will become a D-I player because he steadily improved throughout his prep career.
“He’s gotten better every year because he’s worked his butt off on the field, off the field with his conditioning and he’s worked his butt off in the weight room,” Roderique said. “It makes you happy to see a kid grow and develop like that. He’s also a great young man.”
Roderique added Clinton will definitely leave his mark on Webb City’s tradition-rich program.
“He’s as good at tight end as we’ve ever had here,” Roderique said.
With his college decision out of the way, Clinton can once again focus on playing a key role for the Cardinals, who begin the season on Friday night at Joplin’s Junge Field.
Clinton said the team’s goals for the fall are simple.
“We’re chasing another ring,” Clinton said. “And we’d really like to go 15-0.”
