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John Clay was one of the most decorated high school football players ever to come out of the state of Wisconsin, and the awards kept piling up during his time at the University of Wisconsin.

After an outstanding sophomore season at Racine Park High School in 2004, Clay broke onto the state and national scene as a junior, rushing for 2,032 yards and 30 touchdowns on 162 carries as he led the Panthers to the 2005 Division 1 state title. In the 28-9 championship game victory over Wisconsin Rapids, Clay set a new D1 state rushing record with 259 yards on 19 carries.

The awards and attention flooded in for Clay. He was a First Team All-State choice by both the AP and the WFCA, and named the EA Sports National Junior Player of the Year. He made an appearance on the cover of the 2006 Gridiron Guide as well.

Despite battling injuries much of his senior year, Clay managed to rush for 1,485 yards and 15 touchdowns on 170 carries as Park once again qualified for the postseason. He was a WFCA and AP First Team All-State choice again, earning WFCA Player of the Year recognition. For his career he totaled 5,005 yards and 58 touchdowns on 509 carries.

Clay was selected to participate in the U.S. Army All-American game following his senior year, and was ranked among the top players in the country by all the major scouting services. WisSports.net Football Writer Marlin Lee ranked him as the second-best prospect in the state, just behind St. Francis offensive lineman Josh Oglesby.

A fierce recruiting battle took place for his services, with many of the country's top programs offering scholarships.

Ultimately, he chose the University of Wisconsin over offers from Ohio State, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee, and numerous others.

Things would get a little rocky from there, as during the summer prior to his freshman year at Wisconsin, Clay received notice that he had not met the requirement of the NCAA Clearinghouse, putting his eligibility in jeopardy. After taking summer school classes rather than participating in summer workouts, he finally gained full eligibility, although by that time he had missed enough pre-season work that the decision was made to use a redshirt year.

After sitting out the 2007 season, Clay made an immediate impact in 2008, rushing for 884 yards and 9 touchdowns on 155 carries as a backup to P.J. Hill. After Hill left early for the NFL Draft, Clay took over the starting running back duties as a sophomore, and took over he did.

Despite starting just 8 games, Clay rushed for 1517 yards and 18 touchdowns as he was named First Team All-Conference by both the media and coaches, and was selected as the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year. He received honorable mention All-American honors and was the MVP of the Badgers' Champ Sports Bowl win over Miami.

Injuries would once again creep up for Clay, who missed several games as a junior in 2010 due to ankle problems. Still, he rushed for 1012 yards and 14 touchdowns as the Badgers shared the Big Ten title and played in the 2011 Rose Bowl. Clay was a finalist for the Doak Walker Award and received Second Team All-Big Ten honors, as well as Third Team All-American honors from the AP.

A few days after the Rose Bowl, Clay announced he would forgo his final year of eligibility and enter the NFL Draft.

For a blast from the past, check out WisSports.net's interview with Clay prior to his senior season at Racine Park: