CLARKSDALE- CCC Football alum Chris Claybrooks faced a chance to achieve his dream of being drafted into the NFL. Making it to this mountain peak was no easy task. Hard work and dedication finally paid off for Claybrooks. The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Claybrooks in the seventh round of the NFL Draft.

Claybrooks loved the game of football so much and enjoyed playing the sport. He began his journey at Fort Scott Community College. In 2016, Claybrooks played in seven games at wide receiver and return specialist (kick/punt) for the Greyhounds. He ranked third on the team in receptions (40) and fourth in receiving yards (421). He also led Fort Scott in kick returns (9/200 yards) and punt returns (10/136 yards). He scored five total touchdowns (four receive/one punt return).

"It was an amazing experience playing for Fort Scott," said Claybrooks. "Fort Scott showed me a whole lot of love and respect."

Claybrooks transferred to Coahoma Community College in 2017. Former Coahoma Head Coach Steven Miller knew what Claybrooks brought to the table.

Claybrooks played in nine games for one season while a Tiger. At wide receiver, he accumulated 36 catches for 488 yards and one touchdown. Claybrooks reached a season-high amount of 133 receiving yards (seven catches) in the game against Copiah-Lincoln Community College.

On Special Teams, Claybrooks stacked 29 returns for 605 yards. He had season-highs of seven returns for 195 yards in the matchup against Itawamba and 130 kick-return yards on five attempts in the Northwest Mississippi game. He also had two games with over 200 all-purpose yards. Claybrooks had a season-high 228 all-purpose yards (133 receive/95 return) versus Copiah-Lincoln and 225 all-purpose yards (30 receive/195 return) versus Itawamba.

"I loved being at Coahoma because of the love from the school and the whole community of Clarksdale, Mississippi," said Claybrooks. "Coach Miller and his staff made sure I was on the right track in the classroom and on the field. They taught me about the rights and wrongs in life."

The University of Memphis was Claybrooks' final destination in his college football career. In 2018, Claybrooks walked on and made the team. Former Memphis Head Coach Mike Norvell wanted to give Claybrooks a chance to make a significant impact for the Tigers. Claybrooks made a sacrifice, changing positions from wide receiver to defensive back.

"Coach Norvell wanted me to play defensive back because that would be the fastest way to get on the field and the fastest way to the NFL," said Claybrooks. "I was going to work hard to be successful by any means necessary. Memphis made me the person I am today, and I appreciate them helping me in my journey to the NFL."

He played in 12 games in 2018. In his Memphis debut against Mercer, he recorded his first FBS tackle, a solo hit, against the Bears. He also accumulated season-bests for total stops (4) and solo tackles (3) vs. Wake Forest in the Birmingham Bowl. Claybrooks made his first FBS interception and returned the pick 37 yards for the first touchdown of his career.

In 2019, Claybrooks played in nine of 14 games. He completed 42 total tackles, 33 solo stops, two pass breakups, two QB hurries, one interception, one forced fumble, and one TFL/sack (assisted).

On Special Teams, Claybrooks manifested 11 kick returns for 338 yards and one touch down. In the American Conference Championship game, he scored a 94-yard touchdown for the opening kickoff. That return got NFL scouts buzzing and eyeing him.

"I had a great game in the Birmingham Bowl and a great showing in spring practice," said Claybrooks. "Coach Norvell saw that I did everything that I needed to do. He offered me a full scholarship to finish out my senior year."

Claybrooks' intensity and plays are impressing NFL scouts. Jacksonville Head Coach Doug Marrone wanted to allow Claybrooks to live his dreams.

"It was a big relief for me. I worked hard all my life to get to this stage," said Claybrooks. "When my name was on the TV screen, I was full of emotion. My family and friends were excited at this moment."

The Claybrooks family is very excited and ready to accompany and support him on the ride. Claybrooks is proud to have a six-year son, Chris Jr., who looks up to him. Chris Jr. has followed his footsteps on the football field. The Nashville, Tennessee, native has the opportunity to play against his hometown team, the Tennessee Titans, twice each season.

"My son is watching every moment of my life. I have to move positively and coach him up about life," said Claybrooks. "I have to continue to lead my son to greatness. My family and my son's mother have been taking care of Chris Jr. during this journey. I appreciate them, and I continue to pray for the people that have been there to support me."

Claybrooks and Davion Taylor (Philadelphia Eagles) are the first athletes from Coahoma Community College in recent memory to be drafted to the National Football League.

"I know how hard Davion worked to get there, and he came a long way," said Claybrooks. "I congratulated him on his success, and he encouraged me that my name will be coming up soon."

Claybrooks is one of several CCC athletes making moves in a more significant realm.