Clayton boxing out a Canadian player.

Now that the 2011 recruiting class has seemingly taken shape, The  Niner Nation now looks forward to 2012. Unless something changes, Alan Major and his staff should have three scholarships available to the 2012 class, with one unused this season and the departure of rising Seniors Derrio Green and Javarris Barnett.

Willie Clayton, of Thomasville, Georgia, has been pursued by the Niners’ coaching staff since last summer, and his commitment would establish a Charlotte pipeline to Georgia, having already brought Peach State natives DeMario Mayfield and E. Victor Nickerson since the regime change.

ESPN describes Clayton as an “Energy guy and a player that seems to know exactly who he is,” as well as a player who is, “Engaged in the lane and will work hard for his points. Catches deep and goes up strong. Isn’t afraid to mix it up on the glass. He’s bouncy in the lane.”

Clayton recently exchanged words about his recruitment as well as playing for the USA in the 22U World Championship with Green Tinted Glasses.

Green Tinted Glasses:  What travel team will you be playing with over the Summer?

Willie Clayton:  I am playing with Team Georgia Elite.

GTG:  What is it like to play with “USA” on your chest?

WC:  Playing with USA on my chest means a lot. Can’t explain how much it means..

GTG:  Rivals recently listed Charlotte, UCF, Clemson & Memphis as schools you are hearing from. Which of those schools have currently offered you? And is there any school that is standing out above the rest?

WC:  All the schools have offered.

GTG:  What has you interested in Charlotte’s program?

WC:  The coaching staff, the campus, and I have looked up info about their education, so that helped.

GTG:  Have you had a chance to visit Charlotte’s campus yet?

WC:  Yes, I have visited Charlotte’s campus.

GTG:  For those that haven’t seen you play, how would you describe your game?

WC:  Powerful in the paint, can’t be stopped in the paint, loves to rebound, love the game and a lot of energy.

GTG:  Do you have an idea of when you are going to select a school to attend?

WC:  No, I don’t know the school I am going to attend…

GTG.net would like to thank Willie for taking time out of his schedule to give us insight into his recruiting and play. Continue checking GTG.net for updates and interviews with recruits and former players throughout the summer to help bridge the dead zone known as the “off-season”.