a salute to Hawaii-New Mexico.
An Interview With Brennan Clay
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As per usual: Tom VanHaaren's work below.
Brennan Clay is one of the top running back prospects in the country, and happens to be the former teammate of the Wolverines' new quarterback. Clay had expressed his interest in staying out West, but that opinion has recently changed. Not only is Brennan a great football player, he's got his head on straight for his future if football doesn't work out. Take a look at the conversation we recently had.
TOM: What’s all this I’ve been hearing about you and Michigan?
BRENNAN: There’s been a lot lately. I really like them a lot right now.
TOM: Since when? I know you've always liked them, but I thought you wanted to stay out west?
BRENNAN: Yeah, I thought about it, and I don’t mind to be honest. We'll see. I’m not making any decisions until I visit at least four schools.
TOM: Is it just what Tate has been saying, or what changed your mind?
BRENNAN: Somewhat, and that I've been looking at connections for the future. I'm looking at schools that will better my future, once I graduate.
TOM: So what research did you do, or what did you see that you think Michigan could help with in your future?
BRENNAN: As of right now, I'm really considering in majoring in business, and having a minor in communications. So with Michigan, their business school is pretty darn good. I think they’re top 5 across the board.
TOM: So when kids say that academics is the most important, you really mean it?
BRENNAN: I mean what I say. Growing up, that's what was embedded in my mind, education first. That's what has gotten me this far. I think I'll stay with the plan to continue being successful
TOM: What has Tate said to you so far?
BRENNAN: Well Tate and I obviously enjoyed playing alongside each other during our high school careers. It was a great duo. We knew everything about each other. It was almost like we knew exactly what we wanted to do on the field.
TOM: So having that comfort would be a factor for you, or could be?
BRENNAN: Yea, that is something I'll miss this year, and I have the option of reuniting with him, which could be pretty insane.
TOM: Has Tate said anything about Michigan though, that has made you think twice, or that you thought was pretty special?
BRENNAN: I've been researching UM, and the biggest thing that sticks out to me about that program is the 3 senior RB's leaving this year. That's huge in my eyes, because I feel confident enough that I could possibly make a great contribution to that program as a true freshman.
TOM: Especially with already having timing down with the QB.
BRENNAN: Yes sir, but to be honest, I'm just taking it day by day and enjoying this process.
TOM: So how else has your list changed? Who else is on it?
BRENNAN: I'm considering all schools that are recruiting me. As of right now my offer list has grown. Some big ones would be Oklahoma, Georgia, both Washington schools, both Oregon schools, Arizona State, BYU, Michigan, and some others.
May 18th, 2009 at 8:48 PM | 
Sounds like a good kid...
Sounds like a good kid...
May 18th, 2009 at 8:51 PM |
That's quite the impressive
That's quite the impressive
That's quite the impressive list to say the least. Michigan and Joe-Jah would be the only two on there east of the Mississippi FWIW.
May 18th, 2009 at 9:33 PM |
I was thinking,
I was thinking,
I was thinking the same thing. This kid sounds like he has a good head on his shoulders. He didn't sound like he was just saying what he was saying for fluff either. He would be a nice pick up for that factor alone. Good job Tom. Nice interview.
If you have to ask twice it means that you didn't get it the first time.
May 18th, 2009 at 10:04 PM |
Seems like a smart kid
Seems like a smart kid
I like the fact that Brennan is looking at the whole package, including academics and the depth chart. He's a different type of back than S. Hopkins and they could really be a nice duo in the backfield and play to different strengths.
May 18th, 2009 at 11:53 PM |
Vibes
Vibes
Im feelin some good vibes, good looks Tom.
May 19th, 2009 at 6:49 AM |
That's the kind of class act
That's the kind of class act
That's the kind of class act we need. Excellent football skills and talent, just that little bit of a chip on his shoulder about being successful without being overconfident, and extremely polite and forward thinking. Sounds somewhat Mike Hart-ish.
"This is the EMU game, not the emo game."
May 19th, 2009 at 8:17 AM |
You're able.....
You're able.....
....to deduce all that from a transcribed interview? Wow.
May 19th, 2009 at 8:44 AM |
From what he said. Yes. You
From what he said. Yes. You
From what he said. Yes. You know, it's called inference.
Point of an interview: to get information from someone. To understand more about them or their situation. If I'm not supposed to take away something about them from it, then what's the point?
Point: Is he well spoken? Apparently So.
Point: Is he interested in a good education: Apparently So.
Point: Does he have confidence in his football ability?: Apparently So.
Point: Is he polite and courteous (at least in interviews)?: Apparently So.
So your issue is either A: You think he's a liar, or B: You think the interviewer or transcriber is a liar. You have zero evidence to support either of those statements. They may be true, but you have no way to show it.
Therefore, yes, I can infer that he seems to be all of that from a transcribed interview.
"This is the EMU game, not the emo game."
May 19th, 2009 at 9:27 AM |
This has been really informative to me....
This has been really informative to me....
....and I'm sure it was cathartic to you.
May 19th, 2009 at 10:03 AM |
Only in as much as I enjoy a
Only in as much as I enjoy a
Only in as much as I enjoy a good conversation.
Derisive and snide remarks aren't generally my thing.
"This is the EMU game, not the emo game."
May 19th, 2009 at 10:21 AM |
Well...
Well...
...I'm honored you went out of your general comfort zone in responding to my initial post above.
May 19th, 2009 at 8:43 AM |
Edit to be applied to last
Edit to be applied to last
Edit to be applied to last post. Sorry.
"This is the EMU game, not the emo game."
May 19th, 2009 at 8:31 AM |
He sounds like a class act.
He sounds like a class act.
He sounds like a class act. I would love to see him at Michigan.
May 19th, 2009 at 9:18 AM |
School List
School List
From his list of schools, Michigan is head and shoulders above all those schools academically except maybe UW. And we're much better at football than they are.
May 19th, 2009 at 10:18 AM |
UGA
UGA
Georgia is a pretty solid school as well
O-H-I-O: Because the "YMCA" wasn't gay enough.
May 20th, 2009 at 9:43 AM |
false.
false.
false.
May 19th, 2009 at 10:08 AM |
I messaged Clay....
I messaged Clay....
on May 8th, telling him that we all want to see him at Michigan. Sorry if that is creeper, but I really think he is one of the next great Michigan men.
May 8 at 3:05pm
I know you get a lot of this Clay, but I want you to know if you come to Michigan you will be surrounded by a family of fans that transcend all of sport. Become part of the greatest tradition and history of this sport that you play so well. Have a great week!
Brennan Scott Clay
Add as Friend
May 9 at 4:07pm
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ahhhh thanks boss ..I really appreciate that ..I honestly love Michigan ..I just wanna visit there first ..and if it lives up to the wonderful things I've been hearing so far ..then there's no doubt on where I will be attending school ..thanks Geoff ..you have a blessed week as well ..
May 19th, 2009 at 10:10 AM |
I never...
I never...
really thought he would respond, but he was considerate enough to write back within a day and share. I wish he was on my football team...how great he would be to coach and be a captain.
May 19th, 2009 at 10:20 AM |
Oh my goodness....
Oh my goodness....
.....this is amazing, and not in a good way...
May 19th, 2009 at 10:47 AM |
seriously
seriously
this is weird
May 19th, 2009 at 10:30 AM |
How many other 17 year old
How many other 17 year old
How many other 17 year old boys have you stalked on facebook?
Creepy.
May 19th, 2009 at 11:05 AM |
please for the love of all that is decent
please for the love of all that is decent
please for the love of all that is decent - stop facebooking these kids. Man is that creepy.
Glad to read that he like Tate and the depth chart and the academics and hope he signs a LOI in Feb for M. Tom, Sam Webb and others will keep us up to date on this kid's school choice, but I dont think that stalking this kid over the internet is the way to make that happen.
our package is our package, and it’s pretty big. - Greg Mattison, Bowl Practice Presser Tr. 12-13-11.
May 19th, 2009 at 11:57 AM |
Clay
Clay
Sounds like a great kid, would love to have him play for the maize and blue.
May 19th, 2009 at 12:44 PM |
The other day I was close to
The other day I was close to
The other day I was close to San Diego so I decided to drive by Clay's house in the evening and look in his living room windows. I'm happy to report that after only about an hour or so, he came within my view, and he was wearing a Michigan shirt.
I guess it could have been a Cal shirt, or WVU or American Eagle. Either way, he looked strooooong.
May 20th, 2009 at 4:11 PM |
yes
yes
You should buy the exact same shirt that he was wearing and use it as a pretext to strike up a conversation with him. Also, make friends with his friends. Find out all of his likes and dislikes before you approach him. That way you won't have an "awkward" moment. GOOD LUCK!
disclaimer: Do not attempt the actionable activities described above. The mock humor and continuing sarcasm depicted herein are meant only for the enjoyment of people with cynical minds and a dark sense of humor.
I like this kid already. Seems like a really good kid, kind of like Ricardo Miller. He knows that he needs a good eduation just incase football doesn't pan out. Obviously he's right about Michigan's business school, and if he means what he said to Tom, then Michigan is the place for him.
Smoke Green, Snort White
Can't Read, Can't Write
Go Blue