Marcus Clayton is ready. He wants the recognition. He’s seen the names of Syracuse’s All-America kick returners. He’s watched their highlight films. Now, he’s to add his name to the list.

The sophomore will return punts this year for the Syracuse football team and he’ll also play cornerback after seeing some time at wide receiver as a true freshman last season. In addition to returning punts, Clayton has earned his way into a starting cornerback spot for this Saturday’s Spring Game.

‘I loved playing offense,’ Clayton said. ‘But defense is my heart soul. That’s where my instincts are.’

Last season, the Orangemen were short at the wide receiver position. Their leading receiver from the year before, David Tyree, graduated last year and Jamel Riddle was out for the year for academics. The coaching staff knew Clayton had talent and they wanted him out on the field. Along with cornerback, he played wide receiver in high school. Clayton saw limited time at wide-out along with his role as punt returner.

This year, with Steve Gregory moving to wide receiver and Troy Swittenburg moving to linebacker, a spot opened up for Clayton in the secondary. When he received word that Gregory was switching positions, he dedicated himself to earning a starting cornerback spot.

‘When they moved Steve to wide receiver, they were trying to find somebody to replace him and in my eyes that was my chance to step up,’ Clayton said. ‘When they told me they were moving me back to defense, I thought they were trying to see if I had the heart and enthusiasm to take that spot.’

Cornerbacks coach R. Todd Littlejohn is thrilled to have Clayton practicing exclusively on defense. Clayton began the spring season as a backup on the depth chart, behind Tanard Jackson and Thomas Whitfield. Littlejohn said he didn’t know what to expect out of any of the cornerbacks, even though Whitfield started some last season. But as spring practice moved along, Clayton distinguished himself enough to move into a starting spot.

Littlejohn attributes Clayton playing as a true freshman last season to his quick development this year. He was one of only three true freshmen to play last year, and the only one who appeared in all 12 games. Littlejohn believes that playing as a true freshman helped Clayton better adjust to the speed of the game, even though he spent most of his time working with the offense.

‘Anytime you can get yourself in a position to play in front of large crowds and all those types of things, it’s only going to help you in the future,’ Littlejohn said. ‘Everybody talks about redshirting players and that’s all good, but you got to put players on the field that can make plays. And offensively, he was one of those guys.’

Along with his focus on moving back to the defensive side of the ball, Clayton’s committed to improving as a punt returner. Clayton said he plans on returning punts, but would also like to split time at kick returner with roommate and close friend Landel Bembo. The two attended the same high school in Tallahassee, Fla.

Clayton, known for his flashy returns and speed bursts, also had propensity to make poor decisions. He has pledged to make fewer mistakes this season. Last year he averaged 10 yards a return and brought back one punt for a touchdown. But at times he’d inexplicably field a punt inside his own five-yard line.

‘I know what to look for and how to get to the wall,’ Clayton said. ‘I’m looking to have a breakout season on special teams this year. Not making any mistakes like catching the ball inside the one-yard line or being tackled on the one-yard line. None of that. I’m focused on being perfect this year.’

Both defensively and on special teams, Clayton has set lofty goals for himself. He hopes to finish with around seven interceptions and average 13 yards per punt return and return three punts for touchdowns. While he wants to be one of the Orangemen’s starting cornerbacks, he said he wouldn’t mind running a few reverses again this season on offense.

‘I can help the team out both ways,’ Clayton said. ‘I think I can focus on both. (On offense) it’s just hitches and reverses and that’s not too much to focus on. On defense, you’re going to focus regardless because you’re trying not to mess up. It wouldn’t be a big deal to do that.’

Published on April 20, 2004 at 12:00 pm