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Clemons excelled as a running back, linebacker and defensive lineman at Piqua for head coach Bill Nees. He had already verbally committed to MSU when he suffered a season-ending ACL knee injury in a Week 2 loss at Trotwood-Madison last season. The Spartans honored their commitment Clemons.
“I was out there screaming and yelling just like one of the coaches,” Clemons said. “It was a learning experience and I’m definitely going to come back stronger than what I was.”
SIGNING LIST: A listing of area senior who signed or intend to sign
A rugged 6-2, 218 pounds, Clemons is expected to play defense at the next level. He said MSU coaches have discussed him as a hybrid safety/linebacker and even as a down lineman. He graduated early from Piqua and will enroll at MSU in May. He anticipates being ready to join the Big Ten program this summer.
As a junior Clemons was among the GWOC leading rushers, gaining 1,664 yards and scoring 24 touchdowns. He was the GWOC North Division offensive player of the year that season. He’ll be the first Piqua player to sign with a Big Ten program since running back and Mr. Football Brandon Saine signed with Ohio State after carrying Piqua to the 2006 D-II state championship.
A 6-5, 249-pound tight end, Monnin had 11 catches for 123 yards and two touchdowns as a senior. Cox, 6-4, 308, will likely play defensive tackle at Elon (N.C.). All three seniors were two-way players for Piqua, which was 7-3 last season and narrowly missed qualifying for the Division III playoffs.
“Since my freshman year coach Nees has gotten me ready for this,” Clemons said. “Piqua is a good program and coach Nees helps his players out. Coach Nees does it straight from his heart for the love of his players. I can’t thank him enough for all he’s done for me in this recruiting process.”
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