Rebuilding the offensive line has been a top priority for WVU Football Head Coach Rich Rodriguez since his return to Morgantown -- and one of his transfer portal acquisitions is among the highest-graded returning offensive lineman in the Big 12.
Sports analytics company Pro Football Focus (PFF) released its top returning offensive tackles in the Big 12 based on their grades from the 2024. Representing the Mountaineers among the top four returning talents at the position was Mickel Clay -- a transfer from North Alabama, he came in at third place in the rankings.
Highest Graded Returning Big 12 Offensive Tackles💪 pic.twitter.com/3GMce73GMT
— PFF College (@PFF_College) June 24, 2025
Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Clay entered the transfer portal on December 29, 2024, and then committed to the West Virginia Mountaineers on April 17. According to 247 Sports, Clay was a three-star transfer prospect.
Also joining the list were first-ranked Utah tackle Spencer Fano, second-ranked Colorado tackle Xavier Hill, and fourth-ranked Utah tackle Caleb Lumo. The Utes landing two tackles on this list is a scary sight for Big 12 defenses that have Utah on the schedule.
Clay brings experience and high expectations to the trenches up front
Rodriguez snagging Clay in the portal wasn't an attention-grabbing headline that excited many fans of the WVU program, but it could work out to be one of the team's most important signings in the portal. The 6-foot-5, 300 pound lineman is a massive body with collegiate game experience that anchor one of the tackle spots on an offensive line left depleted after the 2024 season.
As of right now, even though Clay is the third-highest ranked offensive tackle returning to the Big 12, Rivals projects Clay as a backup, sitting behind Arkansas transfer tackle Ty'Kieast Crawford at right tackle. But nothing is official until August 30th, and Clay will still have plenty of chances to battle with Crawford and win the starting job, or move to the left side of the ball and pass up projected starter Nick Krahe.
Rodriguez prioritized depth in the portal to ensure he could find the best five offensive line starters in 2025, and the worst scenario for Clay is he's not a starter -- but the depth he provides will be invaluable. And given the chance, Clay could be an experienced presence in the trenches up front.
Obviously, PFF is high on the veteran transfer from North Alabama. WVU football fans should expect to see the 6-foot-5 tackle at some point during the season and should have high expectations for how he can perform on the field.