Chris Claybrooks
Cornerback / Memphis
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Chris Claybrooks: 6’0, 185 and 4.26.
Alex Khvatov: Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?
Chris Claybrooks: In Nashville at Boost performance.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your overall experience at the Tropical Bowl in Daytona Beach, FL.
Chris Claybrooks: It was a wonderful experience. I had to learn a lot while I was out there. I talked to a lot of NFL scouts, they told me everything I need to know or do once I get to the league. Overall, I had a great time competing against guys from all over the world and letting scouts get to know me more when I was there.
Alex Khvatov: What was the biggest thing that you took away from that all-star weekend?
Chris Claybrooks: How to carry myself when I’m talking to NFL scouts. Hanging around the coaches and listening to them on how to be about business once I get to the league.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Chris Claybrooks: UT, Miss State, Kentucky and Georgia State.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you go the JUCO route?
Chris Claybrooks: Grades and ACT.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you decide to transfer to Memphis?
Chris Claybrooks: It was close to home, so I can visit my son anytime I want and my family don’t have to drive hours away to come see me. Plus, I like how the coaches staff took me in since the first day. Then my brother T.J. Carter was playing there as well, so I decided to go to Memphis to put it on the map.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Chris Claybrooks: Speed, physical, smart, recovery speed, playmaker, jumping and being coachable.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Chris Claybrooks: Learning the defense more and work on my technique.
Alex Khvatov: How would you describe your overall career?
Chris Claybrooks: Good, I didn’t have a year like I wanted. I had a lot of adversity in my career, but I didn’t complain about it. I just work even harder and put it in God’s hands to carry me to the next level.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Chris Claybrooks: Having back to back good games vs Cincinnati and being in the Cotton Bowl.
Alex Khvatov: What is your biggest accomplishment in college that you are most proud of?
Chris Claybrooks: Winning a championship and played in the Cotton Bowl.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a CB?
Chris Claybrooks: Toughness, athleticism, being smart and speed. You got to have a weak memory because if not then you will keep thinking about that play over and over again, and it will affect your game. Having good instincts.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Chris Claybrooks: Tennessee Titans.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Chris Claybrooks: Jalen Ramsey.
Alex Khvatov: Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the offense?
Chris Claybrooks: What formation they are in, how the WR lines up, then check to see what side the RB is on because they can play a big part as well. I also need to see what is the strong side of the offense.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?
Chris Claybrooks: T.J. Carter.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?
Chris Claybrooks: Penn State WR #1 KJ (Hamler).
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Chris Claybrooks: Playing the game that I love to play, going hard every day and every rep for my brothers. Hitting and returning balls.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Chris Claybrooks: Play golf, video games, bowling, fishing, and just spend time with my son.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Chris Claybrooks: Be a coach or a trainer, so I can teach my son every step of the way.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Chris Claybrooks: Hard working, team player, determined, raw talent and playmaker.
