John Clay

A big part of the depth and explosiveness of the pine that the Badgers need for this year in the running game is John Clay. It looks like he may get cleared to play for the Badgers this year after all! This story doesn't mention it, but the Badgers are currently at their camp maximum so even when approved, Clay can't join up until camp breaks.

BY GERY WOELFEL

BadgerNation can only wait.

Johnny Clay, the University of Wisconsin’s blue-chip football recruit from Racine, has completed his summer school work and will find out fairly soon whether he’ll be eligible to play for the Badgers this fall.

Clay, a 6-foot-2, 222-pound running back from Park High School, took two English classes this summer at Horlick High School with the hopes of gaining his eligibility.

While neither Wisconsin nor Park officials would discuss Clay’s situation, it was believed Clay needed an "A’’ and a "B’’ in those courses to be eligible at Wisconsin.

I’ve been told Clay attained those aforementioned grades and that Park officials have since forwarded his grades to the NCAA’s Clearinghouse.

It’s unknown how long it’ll take Clearinghouse officials to make a final determination on Clay’s status, although there is speculation it’ll be within two weeks.

Even if Clay is cleared to play, it’s still highly unlikely he’d be ready to play in the Badgers’ season opener Sept. 1 against Washington State.

Clay would, however, likely be ready to play in the Badgers’ Big Ten opener Sept. 22 against Iowa at Camp Randall in Madison.

While Clay hasn’t been able to work out with the Badgers and hasn’t been assigned a playbook, he has been working out religiously.

Clay, who intends on majoring in business at Wisconsin, was one of the most sought-after recruits in the country. He rushed for 5,005 yards and scored 58 touchdowns during his decorated high school career, which included being a three-time all-state first-team selection.

Clay was recruited by a "Who’s Who’’ of the country’s top football programs and opted for Wisconsin over Iowa.