(Written by: Drew Johnson (@RealNews102)
In a heavy weight class of 2026 QBs, Michael Clayton II holds his own and has developed into a star at the prep level as a four-star recruit with a quality list of college offers.
The 6-4, 195 pound rising junior made a move over to Seminole High for his junior season where the goal and conversations have been all about state championship aspirations.
There’s no doubt Clayton has the elite talent to compete at the P4 level. Listed at No. 6 on The Platform Preseason Rankings List, he’s been performing like one of the top 2026 QBs in the state for a while now.
Clayton gave The Rundown to National Platform Scout Drew Johnson on his latest recruitment moves and thoughts on the upcoming season.
RECRUITING:
Sleeper out-of-state Schools
Illinois: “Man I love it (Illinois) bro. Everything about it. The coaches are amazing. Coach Art (Artur Sitkowski – Ass. QB Coach), Coach Lunney (Barry Lunney – OC/QB), Coach Bielma (Bret Bielma – HC). All three of them are like a Power 3, like a trio man. I love those dudes. That school and those coaches have probably the best relationship so far. Coach Art, we talk on a regular basis. Relationships are big on me in my process.”
Mizzouri: It was great. I actually have their logo on my lanyard for my keys. Coach Moore (Kirby Moore – OC), he’s a really cool dude. I like his personality a lot. I like their offense and they play big time football so that’s not a concern. I haven’t been to one of their games but I’ve seen it on TV and it’s rocking. The environment is rocking. Love the program in general and the vibe I see watching them workout.
Arkansas: I mean, I love that school too. You’ve chosen great schools that are on my top list. That’s a great school. I talk to Pertino (Bobby Petrino – OC) on a regular basis also. Just getting on the phone with him and building a relationship is really good. I love the program. I went up there in January and it was amazing they showed me a lot of love. You could tell I’m one of their top guys on their board so that’s a good feeling for me.
In-state schools:
Miami: Recently the commitment of Jones HS 2026 Dereon Coleman and a close friend of Clayton. *The Miami Hurricanes are now off limits for now Clayton said as he respects his friend’s recent decision.
*Watch full-interview on YouTube (TheRundownDR7) for more thoughts and insights about more schools (UCF, Ole Miss, & Nebraska) and thoughts on the upcoming fall season.
SEASON TALK: Seminole (Bokey)
Last year: (Led Edgewater to a 11-1 record and the regional semifinals of Florida’s 3M playoffs. Completed 120 of 224 passes (53.6%) for 1,902 yards with 18 TD and 9 INT.)
Question: You made a move over to Seminole who has a bulk of talented athletes. You guys have looked good during the 7v7 period, even winning a few of these recent team tournaments. How’s the chemistry coming along being able to compete with your guys this much before the season?
Answer: It’s been great just working with my guys since I got there. It’s been great just learning the offense because it’s all new to me. Building relationships with all of my teammates. I feel like that’s a big thing you have to build relationships with your teammates because you get on them you have to know how to coach them and stuff like that. This 7v7 period has been really good just getting chemistry with my guys.
*Watch full-interview on YouTube (TheRundownDR7) for more thoughts and insights on the upcoming fall season.
Drew’s Fast Five
Favorite Football Player ALL TIME: CJ Stroud – Texans QB
Favorite PreGame song: No Movie – Jdot Breezy
Best post game meal: Chick-fil-A
Favorite movie or tv show: The Blind Side (movie) & Flash (t.v show)
What’s your Best skill: Accuracy
