Tigers’ Claybrooks embraces new role
After Saturday's practice, Memphis defensive back Chris Claybrooks took extra reps on the jugs machine to work on his catching.
Right next to him was TJ Carter. As both took turns catching passes, Carter was in Claybrooks' ear offering advice and showing him.
It’s the latest chapter in a friendship that begin as kids in Nashville. With Claybrooks, out of Mcgavock High, being an early standout this spring, he’s leaned on Carter, out of Stratford High, to help his development after arriving at Memphis as a wide receiver last fall.
“He works out with me every day. He trains with me. We watch film . ... He breaks things down to me,” Claybrooks said of Carter. “He told me from the jump it’s going to be hard, but he’s going to get me through it. And I appreciate him.”
Claybrooks, who appeared in 12 games last year, has taken reps both at cornerback and kick returner as one of the candidates to replace Tony Pollard.
Learning a new position is always a challenge, but Claybrooks said he's more comfortable than he was last fall when the coaches asked him to switch from wide receiver.
“All my life and in junior college, I played wide receiver all day,” Claybrooks said. “I didn’t believe them until my first day in pads, and they changed me."
He's still dealing with the highs and lows of being in the secondary. On Thursday, he was swarmed by his teammates after he intercepted a pass.
On Saturday, with Claybrooks taking first-team reps opposite Carter, teammates groaned after he dropped two potential interceptions. After the second drop, Claybrooks stared at his hands walking to the sidelines.
It’s just part of his process, defensive backs coach TJ Rushing said.
“He’s night and day because he had been a receiver the majority of his life, so he’s coming a long way,” Rushing said. “He’s taking coaching, applying it and getting better daily. That’s all you can ask for.”
Claybrooks' breakout moment came in the Birmingham Bowl when he took his first interception 37 yards for a touchdown against Wake Forest.
He promised Rushing he’d get one, and on the opening play of the second quarter, he backed up his words.
“It felt too good.” Claybrooks said. “When it came in, I saw that touchdown and I took it in.”
As Claybrooks ran along the back of the end zone to celebrate, Carter raced ahead and joined him running to the sidelines. Carter began the season with an interception return for a score, and he was still happy his childhood friend got one to end the season.
“I always knew he was a natural born athlete,” Carter said. “I knew once he learned the technique side of playing corner and learning the terminology, it’s going to be a cakewalk for him.”
Tigers coach Mike Norvell said the play symbolized Claybrooks becoming more confident over the second half of last season. With Claybrooks' blend of speed and athleticism, Norvell is expecting more from him in 2019. Claybrooks feels the same. “It was real difficult at first because you got to learn the technique, fundamentals and coverage," Claybrooks said. "I really got the hang of it now, so now it’s working out pretty fine.”
You can reach Tigers football beat writer Evan Barnes on Twitter @Evan_b or by email at evan.barnes@commercialappeal.com