Mickel Clay: From JUCO to Power Four | WVU Football All 105

All 105 is a West Virginia Sports Now series profiling each member of the 2025 WVU Football Roster.

Senior offensive tackle Mickel Clay transferred to WVU Football at the end of the spring practice period, a late start that could put him at a disadvantage in any position group battle. A versatile athlete who played wide receiver and ran track in high school in spite of his burly frame, Clay began his college career with DuPage, a community college in Illinois.

He then transferred to North Alabama, where he managed to carve out a starting role in his third season. Now, Clay will test his talents at the Power Four level during his final college season, looking to help a position group that dealt with plenty of turnover during the offseason.

79 • Mickel Clay, senior offensive line

Last year: The 6-foot-5, 278 pound lineman broke into the starting lineup for the first time in his college career. Clay has 30 college games under his belt, including 15 starts. All but three of those starts came last season.

Stats: Clay started 12 games for the North Alabama Lions (FCS) in 2024, allowing three sacks from the right tackle position.

Camp outlook: A late addition to the Mountaineers’ roster, Mickel Clay joined the team following the conclusion of the spring practice period. Combined with the jump from the Atlantic Sun Conference to the Big 12, that could put him at a disadvantage as he tries to lock down a major role.

Projected role: Expect a reserve role for Clay, whether at swing tackle or as a depth piece. While statistics like sacks allowed contain a deal of subjectivity (coverage sacks or a teammate failing to pick up a blitz properly, for instance), allowing three in 12 games could suggest a learning curve as he adjusts to Power Four. 

Accolades, highlights: A former JUCO player, Clay’s ability to climb to the highest level of college football speaks well to his work ethic and motivation. 

Coverage Links:

WVU Football Gains OL Depth with Commitment of North Alabama Transfer