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Oklahoma football: Top-10 Sooner football recruits (2000-present)

By Brandon Self

Dec 28, 2019; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; View of the eye tape on Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (2) before the 2019 Peach Bowl college football playoff semifinal game between the LSU Tigers and the Oklahoma Sooners at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2019; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; View of the eye tape on Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (2) before the 2019 Peach Bowl college football playoff semifinal game between the LSU Tigers and the Oklahoma Sooners at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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7. Mark Clayton – Wide receiver – Recruiting class of 2001

Oct 30, Stillwater, Oklahoma USA; Oklahoma Sooner wide receiver Mark Clayton #9 is knocked out of bounds by Oklahoma State safety Jon Holland #17 during the second half of the game at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports(c) Copyright 2004 Tim Heitman
Oct 30, Stillwater, Oklahoma USA; Oklahoma Sooner wide receiver Mark Clayton #9 is knocked out of bounds by Oklahoma State safety Jon Holland #17 during the second half of the game at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports(c) Copyright 2004 Tim Heitman /

Clayton is regarded as the first elite-level playmaker at the wide receiver position in the Bob Stoops era. He came to Norman as a highly recruited receiver from Arlington/Sam Houston high school in Arlington, Texas.

During his time in Norman, Clayton racked up 51 consecutive starts, 220 receptions, 3,236 receiving yards, and 31 receiving touchdowns. Clayton was a Biletnikoff award finalist, a two-time first-team All-Big 12 selection, and a two-time consensus first-team All-American.

In the 2005 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens selected Clayton in the first round with the 22nd overall pick. Clayton played in the NFL for seven seasons, collecting 83 starts, 260 receptions, 3,448 receiving yards, and 16 touchdowns (two of which were rushing scores). Clayton is an excellent example of a player who contributed more than stats alone. On several occasions during his career in Norman, Clayton produced unbelievable highlight plays. He could always be counted on to come up with a much-needed reception.

Clayton had a knack for shining bright on the biggest stages. Although his stats, awards, and notoriety are all impressive, Clayton is another excellent example of the type of player that college football fanbases fall in love with. His quiet demeanor, immense work ethic, and uncanny ability to make game-changing plays have cemented Mark Clayton as one of the most beloved Sooner players in program history.

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