Farmington’s J.J. Clay has been a force on the defensive line this season for the Cardinals, who host Class 4A No. 1 Shiloh Christian on Friday.
Photo by Staff photo

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FARMINGTON — Shy may not be the clearest or correct word to describe Farmington nose guard J.J. Clay.

In fact, his reserved personality may draw fewer superlatives than his play on the field - even if his quiet demeanor is the fi rst thought that comes to mind forthose who know the standout best.

“He’s about the most laid-back guy you’ll ever come cross,” Farmington coach Mike Adams said. “This year is the fi rst time I’ve ever heard him say more than two words at a time.”

Opposing coaches and o◊ensive linemen certainly have heard from Clay, who has been wreaking havoc on centers andclearing paths for disruption in the backfield by staying low and driving hard.

“That’s what coach always tells me,” Clay said. “And I’ve had a lot of success doing that.”

Clay made plenty of disruptive plays in a 27-13 loss to Gravette on Oct. 16. The Lions had nine fumbles, and lost one, but Claywas the cause for many of those miscues as he drove low and hard against the Lions’ shotgun o◊ense.

“He eats up at least two blockers on just about every play because he’s so hard to move,” Adams said.

Adams began seeing signs of a more mature Clay in the Cardinals’ 19-18 win over Prairie Grove on Oct. 2. The Tigers struggled to run traps and sweeps and couldn’t handle Clay’s presence in the middle.

“He was our most valuable player in that game because Prairie Grove lives off the trap,” Adams said. “He dominated their center and pushed him back in the backfield all night long.”

Confidence brimmed - and more words started to flow from Clay’s lips.

“When I get pumped up, I talk a lot,” Clay said.

It’s di◊cult to imagine that Clay and standout outside linebacker Deon Clay are brothers when standing between the two siblings. Deon Clay isn’t afraid to let his voice be heard, while his older brother tends to shy away from small talk.

The duo hardly talk on the field, Adams said, but their names can be heard on the public address system in stadiums every week.

“We congratulate each other and everything, but that’s it,” Deon Clay said. “At home, it’s fun and games.”

The younger Clay, a sophomore, put himself on themap with a 124-yard performance at fullback in a 46-0 win over Marshall earlier this season. He also nearly returned an interception for a touchdown.

Meanwhile, the elder Clay is content with the less fl ashy 40 tackles and four sacks. Most of his big plays lead tobig payo◊s for middle linebacker Joey Sputo, who leads the team with 86 tackles and has four tackles for losses.

“He goes low and washes the center out of the way,” Deon Clay said. “Joey comes in for the cleanup.”

The tight-lipped senior does his job, doesn’t saymuch and gets plenty of recognition from his coaches. The staff at Farmington knows just how important the brothers are to the team’s success, especially J.J. Clay.

“They’re always talking about how I can’t miss practice,” Clay said. “I’m a big part of this team.”

Sports, Pages 9 on 11/04/2009

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