BROOKINGS In the era of positionless football, players are asked to do more than just one thing. Running backs need to catch the ball. Offensive linemen need to play at tackle and guard. Safeties become linebackers and sometimes cornerbacks can even become wide receivers.
Few things are more exciting than a versatile player on the field but thats not always the case on the defensive line.
The South Dakota State Jackrabbits have always had a deep stable of linemen, rotating players to keep a fresh unit in the trenches. But when injuries pile up, having a versatile piece can help a defense weather the storm and give a coach options on how to attack.
For this years team, that player has been Kobe Clayborne. A transfer from Northwest Missouri State, Clayborne has become a pivotal piece of the Jackrabbits defense and has made an impact on the field thanks to his ability to play all across the line.
Its been a game-changer, SDSU head coach Jimmy Rogers said of Claybornes versatility. Because if a D-tackle goes down, he may have to take more reps there and theres not really a drop-off because he can start at either position. It doesnt really matter.
Claybornes journey to SDSU began at Bishop Helen High School in Sioux City, Iowa. Playing at a smaller school, Clayborne played on both the offensive and defensive lines but became a two-time district lineman of the year and selected to play in the Iowa Shrine Bowl in his senior year.
While Clayborne stood out on the gridiron, he also was a team captain and two-time state placewinner in wrestling finishing in fourth and sixth place over his final two seasons.
I think wrestling is the best sport for any offensive or defensive lineman to play outside of football, Clayborne said. It just tough leverage and hand-fighting against the D-Line, but also just footwork. Wrestling has a lot to do with your feet, so I think it all matches up well. I give it a bunch of credit because it helped develop my game on the football field.
While Clayborne was excelling, Rogers was defensive coordinator for the Jacks and was responsible for recruiting in Northwest Iowa. Clayborne was a fit for what Rogers wanted to do on defense but his six-foot frame led to some reservations about bringing him to the FCS level.
It led Clayborne to begin his collegiate career at Northwest Missouri State. After redshirting his first year out of college, Clayborn played at defensive end, logging 22 tackles including 5.5 tackles for loss and four sacks. But injuries necessitated a need on the interior of the line, leading Clayborn to move to the inside in 2023.
The switch didnt slow Clayborne down as he tied for the team lead with six sacks and added 28 tackles including 10 for loss.
I got moved out there in spring ball and just kind of took off, Clayborne said. Im not the normal D-end build, but it was nice to be in a defense that you were able to play no matter your size, just being twitchy.
Clayborne also earned Second-Team All-MIAA honors for his performance and put himself back on SDSUs radar.
I think if you are a great player at any level and your are an All-American caliber at any level, you can play at any level, Rogers said. A lot of the FCS All-Americans can play at the FBS level in the biggest conferences and I think thats what weve been able to do here with all of our All-Americans and theyre doing it right now in the NFL against the top one percent in the world.
With three years under his belt and a degree in hand, Clayborne set out to challenge himself. With Brookings close to home, he decided to transfer to SDSU to play the final two years of his career.
I accomplished some good things down there, but I always wanted to play at the Division-I level, Clayborne explained. I wanted to challenge myself. I committed to four years, I did that and having the two years with [the COVID year], I thought it would be best to get in the portal and see. I didnt think there was a better place to come than South Dakota State. Its close to home and with the success theyve been having and meeting with the coaches, it couldnt get any better.
One of the coaches who helped Clayborne was defensive line coach Jalon Bibbs. While Clayborne was recruited as a defensive tackle, Bibbs helped refine his role on the outside and allowed him to grow his game at both positions.
The results were immediate as Clayborne suited up for the Jacks during spring ball and into fall camp.
Early on in camp, I felt like he was one of, if not the most, disruptive defensive linemen we had, Rogers said. It was like, Where do we put him? At [defensive tackle] or [defensive end]?
Just like his time at Northwest Missouri State, injuries would force SDSUs hand and clear a path for Clayborne to hit the field. In 11 games this season, Clayborne has played across the defensive line, collecting 24 tackles including 3.5 for loss and 2.5 sacks with a fumble recovery. He has become a movable chess piece across the defensive line and reminds Rogers of another former SDSU All-American Caleb Sanders.
Similar stature, a little bit different playmaker, but I think his skill set is rare, Rogers said. I think hes worked really hard mentally to not have any mishaps when he goes into the game. He plays hard and the guys respect him and hes been a really great blessing for the program.
No matter the role, Clayborne takes pride in stepping on the field and not have a drop-off wherever he is asked to play and is excited to use his versatility to help the Jacks defense thrive down the stretch.
I take a lot of pride in it because just being able to play more positions helps the team, Clayborne said. Anyway to get on the field and help the teamwhatever I can do, thats just the most important thing. To be able to do both, it just gives the coaches more options to fill in the puzzle.
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