Nathaniel Claybrooks (2021) - Hall of Fame - Middle Tennessee State University Athletics

Nathaniel Claybrooks

Induction:
2021

Claybrooks was one of the top defensive players during Middle Tennessee's time in Division I-AA football. He was a first-team All-American in 1995 as well as a two-time All-Ohio Valley Conference linebacker under Coach Boots Donnelly, leading the Blue Raiders in tackles during his All-Conference seasons in 1994 and 1995. He remains in the top 10 on the career tackles list with 270.

"I took pride at Middle Tennessee State every time I stepped on the field," Claybrooks said. "It means so much to me and my family to hear the great news today."

Former Voice of the Blue Raiders Dick Palmer stood in for Donnelly, noting the team success the Blue Raiders had during Claybrooks' years as a starter, winning 20 games across the 1993-1995 seasons.

Palmer highlighted Claybrooks' role in the Wide Tackle Six, a defensive set featuring six down lineman and two linebackers that has fallen out of favor in college football with the advent of spread offenses. But, in the more run-heavy days when Claybrooks played, it opened up gaps for him to control the running game.

"I owe everything to my defensive line, because they kept every offensive lineman off me," Claybrooks said. "That allowed me to really roam the field, drop back into my zone, and attack the offense."