June 13, 2007

by Jac Coyne, Lacrosse Magazine Online Staff

When the head football coach at the Tatnall School went searching for a replacement for his injured place kicker, it only made sense that he'd check with the soccer coach. Soccer players have the natural versatility to fill the position.

And it only made sense that the soccer coach would nominate Clayton Albright, the most versatile student-athlete in the school's history, to fill the gridiron vacancy.

Albright, the best lacrosse player in the state of Delaware and a member of the National Senior Showcase's East squad, is all about versatility. He posted a solid soccer career playing numerous positions, he was a state champion swimmer during the winter with titles in various techniques and relays, and played midfield for his first three lacrosse seasons before shifting seamlessly to attack this spring for the Hornets.

Who else would be able to show up for the football team on game days and have a successful campaign? His track record as a Renaissance Man certainly played a part, although it also might have had something to do with Albrights 6-foot-1 frame.

"I'm the biggest kid on team and least likely to get hurt," said Albright. "He gave me the job."

As he has done in all of his endeavors, Albright came through. He not only earned a letter -- his school-record 13th of his prep career -- but was also voted to the league's all-conference team as a kicker.

Not bad for a part-time job.

"I think I went to went to one practice to learn some special plays, but other than that I just showed up at the game to kick," he said. "I did pretty well. I never missed a kick."

Despite the newfound success on the football field and his outstanding swimming career that would likely have earned him a scholarship if he chose that route, Albright is a certified lax guy.

"If you were going to design a lacrosse player, you would come up with Clayton," said Pete Duncan, Tatnall's head coach. "He looks like a lacrosse player. He has an absolute textbook stick, lefthanded or right. It's a beautiful overhand shot that you'd use to demonstrate at any camp you were going to run. He just loves the game."

This season Duncan decided to stifle a little bit of Albright's versatility by switching him from midfield to attack. While the move limited Albright's ability to affect the game all over the field -- his coach said he was an outstanding rider and transition player -- it ensured he'd be available when it counted.

"Clayton's one of those guys who should never leave the field, but as a midfielder the shifts would go on and off and there were spells he'd be off the field," said Duncan. "We've always tried to keep him on the field because the more touches he gets, the better. This gives him as many opportunities to have the ball."

"I usually have zero turnovers in game, I have pretty good stick protection and I'm known for having a decent shot," said Albright in his typical understated way. His `decent shot' was on display at the Delaware senior all-star game when the Tatnall kid scored a game-high six goals to lead his side.

After Albright puts his skills on display at the NSS in Denver on June 23, his next serious lacrosse action will come in the fall when he plays for Bucknell. The Bison return a solid team next year, especially on attack, but there might be room for the Delaware rookie.

"I wouldn't be surprised if they had plans for him right away," said Duncan. "With his stick he should be able to jump in on a man-up situation and provide a weapon. I understand Bucknell has a pretty good group coming back, so he might have to pay his dues. But he'll be ready to roll."

"I just hope to mix it, maybe play a little middie," said Albright. "I don't really know what to expect. Coming out of the state of Delaware I don't see that great of competition, and I have no idea how I'm going to fare against a bunch of other Division I kids. We'll just have to wait and find out."

Albright was able to turn one football practice into an all-conference certificate, so don't be surprised if his versatility puts him on the field in Lewisburg, Pa., this year.