At Thomasville:
Rated as the 34th best power forward by ESPN.com.

Competed with the 22u USA Elite National Team at the 2010 World Championship in Tourcoing, France.
    Scored a game-high 25 points in the US win over Canada at the 22u World Championship.

Played for the USA 17u Elite National team at the 2010 Argentina World Tournament in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
    
Georgia High School Association Player of the Year, averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds as a junior at Thomasville High School.

In the Spring of 2012, Clayton shined once again at the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association (GACA) North-South All-Star Game. Scored a game-high 26 points to lead the South squad to a 126-96 victory, in the state's Senior Boys All-Star game, Mar. 24 at Armstrong Atlantic State University. Named the South squad's MVP for the second straight year, scored 20 of his points in the second half, including 12 of the South's first 14 points of the frame. Added 18 rebounds in the contest.
Forward Willie Clayton (Thomasville, Ga.; Thomasville H.S.) signed with the 49ers for teh 2012-13 season during the fall, 2011 signing period.

A 6-7; 205 lb. power forward who competed with the 22u USA Elite National Team at the 2010 World Championship in Tourcoing, France and with the USA 17u Elite National team at the 2010 Argentina World Tournament in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Clayton scored a game-high 25 points in the US win over Canada at the 22u World Championship.

A GHSA Player of the Year, Clayton was rated as the 47th best power forward by ESPN.com. He averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds as a junior at Thomasville High School.

"We're very excited to have Willie join the 49ers," head coach Alan Major said. "He's a terrific young man who plays the game with a lot of energy. He's a power forward that has a growing skillset. He's a great competitor who showed a great chemistry with our guys. He's another kid who believed in what we are trying to do and wants to be a part of something special."

"Clayton is an outstanding rebounder who understands his role as an inside scorer and rebounder," said Paul Biancardi, ESPN's National Recruiting Director. "This is what I love about Alan's classes. He is addressing needs. Rebounding was a need and they've addressed it in a wonderful fashion."

Charlotte's 2011-12 recruiting class, Major's first full class, was rated among the top 10 non-BCS classes. That versatile class was highlighted by three guards and two centers. For 2012-13, Major made a power forward splash, signing Clayton and Darion Clark and adding Virginia Tech transfer JT Thompson in the summer.

"(Clayton and Clark) will help us continue to build our front line for the future," Major added. "They both play with a lot of energy and are really outstanding rebounders who both fit well with our program."

"What Alan and his staff have done has brought in very good athletes," Biancardi added. "The Atlantic 10 is an extremely athletic league and you need a level of athleticism to thrive. They have that athleticism and they've added terrific size at those positions. They all have a presence about them that they want to get better and want to be good. They are going to add to the outstanding foundation that Alan has started."

In the spring of 2012, Clayton shined once again at the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association (GACA) North-South All-Star Game.

Clayton scored a game-high 26 points to lead the South squad to a 126-96 victory, in the state's Senior Boys All-Star game, Mar. 24 at Armstrong Atlantic State University. Clayton, who was named the South squad's MVP for the second straight year, scored 20 of his points in the second half, including 12 of the South's first 14 points of the frame. He added 18 rebounds in the contest.

"I was just having fun out there, that's what this game is all about," Clayton said, afterwards. "I'm looking forward to playing against a lot of these guys in college."

Others competing in the game included Georgia Tech signee Marcus Hunt and Clemson signee Jarron Blossomgame. Hunt (12 points) joined Clayton on the victorious South squad. Blossomgame (21 points) was the MVP for the North squad.

In 2011, in the GACA North-South Junior All-Star Game, Clayton also won MVP honors after leading the South to a 112-98 victory. Clayton scored 33 points with 22 rebounds, in that game. McDonald's all-America William Goodwin scored 20 points and fellow 49ers signee Darion Clark added 12 for the North squad, with Goodwin earning North MVP honors.