Clay Legault

Offensive Lineman / Merrimack College

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

Clay Legault:  I’m 6’5, weight is 326 pounds and 4.97.   

Alex Khvatov:  How did you prepare for the 2020 season with no offseason training?

Clay Legault:  We have a bunch of different fields around here.  I go to the field every day.  I work on my conditioning and I jump rope.  My dad and I put together a home gym in the basement.   

Alex Khvatov:  What can we expect from your team this upcoming season? 

Clay Legault:  Last year, it was our first season in the NEC.  We came from the

D-II.  Last year, we had a 6-5 season.  It was a successful first season.  We want to build off that experience.  We need to come together and take the next step forward.  

Alex Khvatov:  Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?

Clay Legault:  I played baseball for a while.  Wrestling was my second favorite sport.  It was competitive.  The training was phenomenal.  I was 280 pounds when I wrestled.  During my sophomore year, I won the New Hampshire state championship.  Junior year, I took second place.  I went to regionals and placed sixth.  Senior year, I just focused on football.   

Alex Khvatov:  What positions did you play in high school? 

Clay Legault:  I played RT my entire career.  I also played DE as well.  It was fun and awesome.  I had a pick six my senior year of high school. 

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

Clay Legault:  Senior year of high school, I sent my film everywhere.  UNH, Villanova, Maine and UConn showed interest.  I did the combine days.  They were all looking at me as a preferred walk-on. 

Alex Khvatov:  How did you wind up at Merrimack College? 

Clay Legault:  Merrimack took interest in me.  Coach Curran gave me a shot.  It was a great environment.  We have a tight knit community.  I fit in perfectly.   

Alex Khvatov:  How would you describe your overall career?        

Clay Legault:  I redshirted my first year.  I started at RG the first two years.  Then last year, they bumped me out to OT.  I took the time to learn the new position.  We had a great season.  We went 6-5 the first year coming from D-II.  We took Central Connecticut State to OT.  It was a tremendous experience. 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

Clay Legault:  I understand the defense.  I have a good grasp of the rotations and where the pressure is coming from.  I understand the defensive fronts.  My feet and hand placement.  I am always trying to critique all of my technical abilities.  My coach has helped me.  My coach sees that I want to learn.   

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

Clay Legault:  The number one thing that I have been working on is getting to the second level.  In the past, I would take a flat angle.  I need to keep going down the line, stay patient and let the defender pick a side.   

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

Clay Legault:  One great win stands out.  It was against New Haven two years ago.  It was a huge rivalry game.  We were competitive with one another.  We played on their blue turf and beat them by two TD’s.  The whole team was excited.  We ended the season on a good note.  We built that brotherhood. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your coaching staff? 

Clay Legault:  Controlling the controllable.  Focus and just do your job. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team? 

Clay Legault:  I am a big New England Patriots fan.  We are excited that we got Cam Newton.   

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Clay Legault:  he has been injured in the past.  I like #76 Isaiah Wynn from the Patriots.  He is undersized for a tackle, but I appreciate his footwork.  His footwork is spot on.   

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for this upcoming season?

Clay Legault:  Safety Jovan Grant, WR Johnny Rosario, CB Caleb Holden and CB Maverick Gamble.   

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?

Clay Legault:  We played Assumption two years ago.  Kick returner and receiver Deonte Harris was the best player.  Our coach told our punter to kick the ball out of bounds.  Our punter kicked it right to him, and he scored a TD.  He is doing the same thing now with the Saints in the NFL.    

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for an OL?

Clay Legault:  I came up with a term on my own.  Knowledgeable aggression.  You have to be aggressive, but you have to tone it down at times and know when to turn it on.   

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

Clay Legault:  Spending time with my brothers on and off the field.  The practice environment is phenomenal.  We are family here at Merrimack.   

Alex Khvatov:  What is your definition of a leader?

Clay Legault:  I was named team captain for my senior year.  You need to set a good example for everyone on the team.  Leading them the right way.  I am willing to put it all on the line for my brothers.  We trust each other.  Holding everyone accountable.  I am excited to lead this team.   

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Clay Legault:  Getting outside and enjoying nature.  It is very peaceful.  It puts your mind at ease.   

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?

Clay Legault:  I got my bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.  I am getting two extra minors this semester.  I want to become a police officer or maybe get into the security business.     

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

Clay Legault:  Physical, aggressive, patient, technical, and leader.