Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 1981
Don Clayton – Football, 1971-1974
Murray State Football has rarely seen a talent like Don Clayton.
Coming out of Malden, Missouri, Clayton put together a great career with the Racers that still stands as the best of the best at the running back position.
Playing for the Racers from 1971-74, Clayton still holds both career and season records for rushing yardage at Murray State. After his playing career, he was drafted in the 15th round of the National Football League draft as the 14th selection of the Patriots.
Clayton began his college career at Murray State in 1970 but was sidelined that year with a serious knee injury. When his knee was re-injured in 1971, he was red-shirted for that season. In an era when a knee injury often meant the end of a career, he returned as a sophomore in 1972 after working hard in getting himself back to be able to play again.
In 1973 it all came together for Clayton when he was one of the most dominant backs in the nation. He was running behind an excellent offensive line for the Racers. At season’s end, Clayton was named to the America Football Coaches Association - Kodak College Division I All-American Team. He was one of only three juniors chosen that year and at the time, he was the 14th All-America selection in MSU history.
Clayton’s career spanned the end of Cutchin Stadium in 1972 and the Opening of Roy Stewart Stadium in 1973.
As a junior in 1973, Clayton rushed for 1,403 yards on 242 carries. He came back in 1974 for his senior season and rushed for 1,257 yards on 276 carries. He was named All-Ohio Valley Conference in both seasons. Clayton’s 1973 rushing total of 1,403 yards stood as the record at Murray State for 22 years until Derrick Cullors broke it with 1,765 yards in 1995.
As of 2016, Clayton is still the all-time leader in rushing attempts and yards at Murray State with 557 carries and 2,804 yards.
Murray State coach Bill Furgerson had this to say in an article that appeared in the Murray Ledger & Times the day after Clayton was drafted by the New England Patriots.
“The best thing about Don is his size and speed. He’s 6-2 and weighs 205 pounds, and runs the 40-yard-dash in 4.5. His biggest asset is his durability. He is definitely in the same class as the pro people. Combine his physical strength and his great attitude on life and you have the makings of a successful pro athlete.”
Don Clayton was inducted into the Murray State Hall of Fame in 1981.
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