Jack Clayton: Balancing Pre-Med and Football at W&L

In this episode, host Thomas Wakefield sits down with Jack Clayton, a sophomore offensive lineman and pre-med student on the Washington and Lee University football team. Jack shares his recruiting journey, why he chose the Division III path and W&L over offers like Richmond and Bucknell, and how the school's liberal arts culture let him pursue football, medicine, and a fraternity all at once.

Jack opens up about the transition from a pass-heavy high school offense to W&L's triple-option system, the physicality and tight-knit culture that defines the football program, and the mentors who shaped him. He also reflects on his growth from a quiet freshman to an emerging leader heading into his junior year.

On the academic side, Jack talks about balancing a demanding pre-med course load with football, unexpected favorite classes like Poverty and Inequality Studies, and even learning Dungeons & Dragons during spring term — all part of what makes a liberal arts education at W&L stand out.

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📍 Recorded at The Generals Redoubt Podcasting Studio, Fancy Hill