Jacksonville State interior offensive lineman Clay Webb proved to scouts at this year’s Senior Bowl that he’s capable of competing with the best of the best. Scouts wanted those questions answered after Webb transferred from Georgia to Jacksonville State. He passed those tests in Mobile with flying colors.
Webb recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Webb discussed his wrestling background and why every offensive lineman should wrestle, playing guard and center, addressing competition questions at the Senior Bowl, and more.
JM: Now that you've had time to reflect, how do you look back on the decision to transfer from Georgia to Jacksonville State? That was a huge decision for you at the time.
Clay Webb: I look back on that decision with pride. I felt very welcomed once I got to Jacksonville State by my teammates. I felt like the coaching staff was filled with great men I could look up to as people. I had an overall very good experience at Jacksonville State.
JM: You also participated at this year's Senior Bowl. What do you think you proved to scouts and general managers in attendance?
Clay Webb: I think scouts had some questions about why I didn’t play very much at Georgia. I went to Jacksonville State from there. Scouts wanted to see my ability to compete at the highest levels.
I went to the Senior Bowl to show the scouts that I am capable of competing. I could play with the best of the best.
JM: You probably met with all 32 teams in attendance at the Senior Bowl. That's standard practice. Which of those meetings do you best remember a few weeks removed from the process?
Clay Webb: I met with every team at the Senior Bowl. I enjoyed every single one of them to be honest with you. It was a mind-blowing experience. I felt like a lot of those interviews didn’t get too in-depth or personal. They were more general and broad, trying to see who I am as a person. One or two teams asked me to draw up some plays.
JM: You were also a phenomenal wrestler in high school. You finished with a 45-1 record with 38 pins. That definitely translates to the interior of the offensive line, where the action is dictated in close quarters.
Clay Webb: The athleticism and muscle movement from wrestling definitely translate directly to playing on the offensive line, especially inside. I feel like every offensive lineman should be a wrestler first. It taught me a lot about how to move my body.
That’s how I learned how to move a person. It helped me with conditioning and keeping my weight at a good number for an entire season as well. Every offensive lineman should be a wrestler. I really believe that.
JM: Speaking of the interior, do teams see you playing both guard and center? Is there one primary position?
Clay Webb: It’s more of a hybrid situation. Teams believe I can play guard. I’ve shown that I’m capable of playing guard. I’ve been working on playing center as well. I didn’t get any in-game reps at center at the Senior Bowl, but I did take some live reps snapping the ball during practice and one-on-ones.
I’ve hopefully shown all 32 teams that I can play both positions.
JM: How would you describe your traits and abilities as an interior offensive lineman? Are you a phone-booth blocker, or athletic in space? What's your identity?
Clay Webb: I like to get up in your face and grab onto you. You’re not escaping my grip (laughs). I played as a pulling guard a lot at Jacksonville State. I think I’ve put some good athleticism on tape as well. When I grab onto a defender, I can move him pretty well. That’s probably my best trait.
JM: What was your favorite play to run? Something you got excited hearing in the huddle?
Clay Webb: This might sound stupid, but just basic inside zone to the right.
JM: I don’t think that’s stupid at all. I think that’s a very effective play when executed correctly.
Clay Webb: That was our bread-and-butter play. We called it “ROCO.” We were great at running a masterclass on some of the most basic plays. We were able to execute it so well because we had five great offensive linemen, and great running backs and quarterbacks.
When I first got to Jacksonville State, we ran “ROCO” [inside zone] two plays in a row against North Alabama. We loved inside zone to the right.
JM: That’s awesome. We've appreciated your time today. What kinda guy is Clay Webb going to be at the next level?
Clay Webb: I’m going to be a hard worker. I’m going to work my ass off and see where it takes me.