Clay, 6-foot-5, 270 pounds, is a two-time All-Southern Conference second-team performer from Vestavia Hills, Alabama. Over the course of his college career, he recorded 120 tackles for the Bulldogs and started 33 of 44 games. He capped his achievements by posting ten tackles (one for loss) in the 2010 FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) Senior Scout Bowl in Middletown, New York as the South edged the North, 13-12.Samford teammate Gaines, 6-foot-1, 270 pounds, is a Huntsville, Alabama native who was named All-Metro and All-Region after leading his Sparkman High School team to a 10-2 record his senior year. He started more than half his 42 college games played, tallying double-figure tackle numbers each season. He joined Clay on the 2010 FCS Senior Scout Bowl 43-man South squad.
Gibson said “I’m very happy to have both John Michael and Jason with us for the coming season. We’re getting teammates who played together at a great program for an outstanding coach (former Heisman Trophy winner Pat Sullivan). They’re both three-year starters with impressive stats against high-caliber competition. John fits the size of the type of player we’re looking for at defensive end, while we got Jason for his intensity – he’s got a good motor, keeps moving, and we think he’ll help us at nose guard.”
The Lions’ training camp roster (starts late February) is now up to 33 players a month ahead of open player tryouts at the Columbus Civic Center January 7, 2012. Visit www.columbuslions.net/team/roster for a complete list.
