CLARKSVILLE, TN – Kirkwood football has built a reputation for turning high school talent into college football players, and Josiah Claybrooks is the latest example. The standout running back became the program’s third Division I signee in as many years, committing to Murray State on Tuesday afternoon over offers from Bowling Green and Grambling State.
Claybrooks totaled 3,236 rushing yards across his three-year career at Kirkwood and becomes the second Cobra to join the Racers, continuing a growing connection between the two programs. The three-time All-Region selection now heads to a system led by a coach with extensive experience developing running backs.
“I was fortunate to coach running backs in the NFL with the Browns and the Giants, and being around Nick Chubb and Saquon Barkley, you see what elite looks like,” Murray State head coach Jody Wright said. “I think he’s got good burst, quickness, vision and patience – things that translate to the college game.”
That background stood out to Claybrooks throughout the recruiting process.
“It feels good going somewhere with a coach who knows what he’s doing with running backs,” Claybrooks said. “Murray State just felt like home. That’s where I felt the most love throughout the process. I’ve been working for this moment, and to finally sign today, it just felt right.”
While Wright is adding a versatile freshman to his backfield, Claybrooks believes his work ethic is what separates him. Despite not being the biggest back, he contributed on both sides of the ball and led Montgomery County in rushing in each of the past two seasons.
Claybrooks’ commitment is also another milestone for a Kirkwood program that continues to gain traction under head coach Chad Watson. With multiple players now moving on to the Division I level, the pipeline is only strengthening, something Wright made clear isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
“I think Coach Watson has done a really good job of promoting the program and his players. He does a great job of developing them and sharing his knowledge, and he’s built a really strong program there,” Wright said. “I think it’s going to continue to grow, and what’s exciting is that they’re only about an hour away from us. That proximity means we’re always going to have access to a lot of Division I-level football players.”
Although Watson will miss Claybrooks’ production and explosiveness, it’s the person behind the player that stands out most.
“Just an unbelievable kid, very, very high character,” Watson said. “He works for everything that he’s ever gotten and is willing to do whatever. That’s a heck of a quality to have in a young man, and we’re going to miss him for sure.”