Clayton Comets 2025 Season Preview

As we approach the end of July, we're getting closer to the beginning of the season. So, we're continuing our team preview series.   The Clayton Comets are entering year three of the Scott Chadwick era and might have the best team they've had in a long time in 2025. In the midst of a major realignment, what can we expect from an up-and-coming contender?   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Clayton Comets Season Preview</h2>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Info</h3>   Head Coach: Scott Chadwick   2024 Record: 10-2   2025 Conference: <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/predicting-every-teams-mip-greater-neuse-river-7a-conference/">Greater Neuse River 7A</a>   Key 2025 Games: @ Hoggard (9/5), @ Southeast Raleigh (10/3), vs. Cleveland (10/31)   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Storyline</h3>   Clayton is loaded on both sides of the ball, but do the Comets have a true star at the skill positions? They lose their top three receivers, replacing them with capable, experienced players. But, when it's third-and-9, who is making a play?   We all know the downside to relying too heavily on one player, but what about the opposite of that? Clayton's offense will be as balanced (in terms of touches) as any in the area. I want to know who will step up and take over a game.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Clayton Comets Players</h2>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Offense</h3>   The offense runs through quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1243204' first='Aiden' last='Smalls'], a dynamic athlete who shredded defenses with his arm and legs last season. Though Clayton's occasional use of the triple option won't surprise teams this year (unlike last year), Smalls' decision-making, both as a passer and in the option game will keep defenses on their toes.   As I alluded to in the storyline section, there's a ton of receiving and running back talent. If I had to venture a guess as to which players get the most touches in the passing game, I'd say [player_tooltip player_id='714587' first='TJ' last='Campbell'] is the likely WR1, while tight end [player_tooltip player_id='1309271' first='River' last='Fiore'] and do-it-all athlete [player_tooltip player_id='561878' first='Terris' last='Hobbs'] should see increases in their touches. Fiore has been used in the pass primarily as a blocker, making most of his catches on leak and seam routes out of a block, but I think Clayton will use him more as a traditional receiving tight end and big slot this year.   Similarly, Hobbs did almost all of his damage on the ground last season, but I anticipate seeing him catch 20-30 passes out of the slot this year.   [player_tooltip player_id='1660473' first='Noah' last='Smith'] is the traditional running back, a smaller back who still operates well inside the tackles and when the Comets go to a more traditional running game, he's the back who makes it happen.   The offensive line is anchored by returning starters [player_tooltip player_id='1660476' first='Cory' last='Robinson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1661631' first='Ovanny' last='Flores']. Flores is a solid, technically-sound guard, while Robinson is a strong left tackle who will likely kick inside at the next level. The latter has some power and is an excellent run blocker, two things that should translate to the FCS level.   We don't typically write about the backup quarterback, but Clayton's in a unique position. Backup [player_tooltip player_id='714586' first='Carson' last='Jones'] can absolutely sling it. He's a traditional pocket passer, so if he's needed, the offense will change, but the multi-year starter elsewhere has all the tools to play at the FCS level.   Will someone else step up at receiver? And can Clayton move the ball at will on the ground, even against top competition?   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Defense</h3>   In terms of Division 1 talent, the defense is actually more loaded than the offense. It starts with versatile defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1165755' first='Keshawn' last='Stancil'], a Clemson commit who can play inside or outside. He projects as a quick, gap-shooting 3-technique with major pass-rushing upside.   A pair of transfers join Stancil on the defensive line. Wake Prep interior defender [player_tooltip player_id='1661629' first='Christian' last='Edmundson'] is a compact run-stuffer, while Wilson Prep edge rusher transfer [player_tooltip player_id='444280' first='Jordan' last='Hamm'] is a bit undersized, but had over 20 sacks a year ago.   I'm not sure if things are settled at linebacker, but transfer Imarii Givens had a strong season last year for American Leadership Academy and has excellent tackling technique.   The secondary is loaded, with both high-upside youngsters and crafty veterans. Versatile 2027 defender [player_tooltip player_id='366314' first='AK' last='Crumel'] played almost exclusively at corner last season, but has practiced some at safety this offseason and could feature some there. He's a future Power Four guy with dozens of high-level offers.   Undersized safety [player_tooltip player_id='1661628' first='Charles' last='Smith'] has plenty of experience as a two-year starter and he isn't afraid to hit. Pair that with tackling machine [player_tooltip player_id='1661632' first='Ta'Shaun' last='Walker'], a guy the coaching staff loves and thinks will increase his ball production as a junior, and high-upside 2028 DB [player_tooltip player_id='1646236' first='Malachi' last='Burt'] and you have a really solid back four. Burt is still a developmental guy, but he holds an early Maryland offer and the athleticism is obvious.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Verdict</h2>   No one should be surprised that the Chadwick-led Comets put together a 9-1 regular season last year. They shouldn't be surprised when the Comets compete for a conference championship in 2025.   The regular season finale against rival Cleveland will likely be for a conference championship. But in the 7A class, things are far too unpredictable to make some sort of playoff projection.   That being said, this team has the talent to challenge for a state title, provided the Comets find a couple of receivers step up as fourth and fifth options. Having a true go-to guy in tight games would help as well, whether that's Campbell, Hobbs, Fiore, or someone e;se.   The defense and running game should be elite, but I'm interested to see how if Comets can get more out of the passing game on offense. Smalls has had another offseason with Chadwick, which should certainly help that cause. With a bit more offensive consistency, Clayton can win in multiple ways.   A special thanks to Clayton head coach Scott Chadwick for sharing his prospect sheet and thoughts on his team. Want to send this report to someone who isn't a subscriber? Support our work with promo code Helms30 so they can get 30% off their first billing cycle.

As we approach the end of July, we're getting closer to the beginning of the season. So, we're continuing our team preview series.