Introducing OL Clay Webb, the Best Lineman in Conference USA

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At 6-foot-3, 290 pounds, he is the anchor of an offensive line that helped the Jacksonville State Gamecocks rank No. 3 in rushing offense in the FBS a season ago, including a Conference USA record 522 yards on the ground against Louisiana Tech. The Gamecocks averaged 236 rushing yards per game on 647 attempts, 35 rushing TDs and 3,077 rushing yards as a team. That anchor is Clay Webb.

No. 1 in the Nation

Webb started his college career in 2019 at Georgia after a stellar prep career. As a five-star prospect out of Oxford (Ala.) High School, Webb was rated as the No. 1 center in the nation and the No. 26 overall prospect in the 2019 class. In addition, Webb led Oxford to two consecutive state titles in wrestling and posted a 45-1 record with 38 pins. After three years of limited playing time in a reserve role with the Bulldogs, Webb transferred to Jax State to play for coach Rich Rodriguez.

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The Best in CUSA

Webb had a breakout season in 2023, grading out at an overall 87.5, which was the best in the league. In addition, Webb graded an 89.0 in pass blocking, and the highest in run blocking with 85.1, and is considered one of the top prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft.

For his efforts, Webb earned numerous accolades in 2023:

• Second-team Walter Camp All-American

• Second-team All-CUSA

• FBS OG of the Year by College Football Network

• First-team All-American by College Football Network

With a little over a month until the Gamecocks kick off the 2024 season against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers, Webb has picked up where he left off in the accolades department by garnering first-team Walter Camp Preseason All-American honors.

A Vaunted Rushing Attack

Gaining more than 3,000 yards rushing as a team is no small feat. In 2024, The Gamecocks welcome back two players who combined for 13 rushing touchdowns. Running back Ron Wiggins recorded 468 yards and 6 TDs and is coming off a great performance in the R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl in which he gained 126 yards and a touchdown in a 3-point win.

Projected starter at quarterback, Logan Smothers, added 7 rushing touchdowns. They will ground and pound the football behind Webb and two other starters on the offensive line, leaving scorched earth in their wake on their way to the end zone.

Jax State is projected to finish third in CUSA after posting a 9-4 record last season. But on any given Saturday, the ball can bounce your way. With Webb leading the way upfront, and "Rich Rod" coaching from the sidelines, bowl eligibility is probable for the Gamecocks. However, Jax State just may surprise some teams this fall and overachieve.