South Carolina Gamecocks 2015 Position Preview: Tight End
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Clayton Stadnik
Clayton Stadnik joined South Carolina in the class of 2012 with his brother, Brock Stadnik. He was the lesser recruited of the two and many felt he was offered as a way to entice his brother to choose the same school. Stadnik was a 3-star recruit according to the 247Sports Composite. He had offers from NC State, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, and East Carolina, but ultimately, the Stadnik brothers knew South Carolina was the right place for both of them.
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Clayton did not come to the South Carolina as a tight end. He was recruited to play on the offensive line at center. On September 7, 2013, Stadnik was forced to start after Cody Waldrop was injured, and proved to be a solid starter. In fact, the following week, he was named SEC Offensive Lineman of the week for his performance against Vanderbilt.
Stadnik has battled for the starting center spot his entire career and started the last 4 games of the 2014 season at the position. He has started 12 games for his career at center.
Stadnik had his tonsils removed following the Duck Commander Independence Bowl game last season. As a result, he was unable to eat the right amount to keep his weight up at the necessary range to play center. He lost 50 pounds and was forced to play at tight end this season.
It seems that Stadnik will play the role that Cody Gibson played last season where he will be in the lineup primarily for blocking purposes, which actually may be more valuable than most think considering the inexperience at quarterback.
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