Southern Miss added another talented piece to its 2027 roster Wednesday as former Florida and Northwest Florida State catcher Brock Clayton announced his commitment to the Golden Eagles.
Clayton arrives in Hattiesburg after a strong season at Northwest Florida State, where he emerged as one of the Raiders’ most productive hitters. The Gulf Breeze, FL native batted .353 in 49 games while recording 49 hits, 10 doubles, nine home runs, 42 RBIs, and 45 runs scored. He also posted a .489 on-base percentage and a .619 slugging percentage, showcasing both power and consistency at the plate.
For Southern Miss fans, Clayton represents the type of player that has helped fuel the program’s success over the past decade. The Golden Eagles have consistently identified talented players looking for an opportunity to take the next step in their careers, and Clayton arrives in Hattiesburg with both high-level experience and significant upside.
Before his stop at Northwest Florida State, Clayton spent a season at Florida after a standout high school career at Pensacola Catholic. As a senior, he hit .466 and was named the Pensacola News Journal All-Area Hitter of the Year. His performance earned him recognition as one of the top catching prospects in the state and eventually led him to Gainesville.
While his time with the Gators was limited, Clayton’s season at Northwest Florida State showed why he was such a highly regarded prospect coming out of high school. His combination of size, athleticism, defensive versatility, and offensive production made him one of the more attractive players available in the transfer market.
At 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, Clayton gives Southern Miss another athletic option behind the plate while also possessing the ability to contribute in the outfield. That versatility should provide head coach Christian Ostrander and his staff with multiple lineup options as they continue building the roster for the future. Clayton brings experience from both worlds, having developed in the SEC before producing at one of the country’s premier JUCO programs.
As the roster continues to take shape, Clayton’s commitment gives Southern Miss another proven bat and another player with the potential to make an immediate impact in Hattiesburg.
Brock Clayton — 2026 Statistics (Northwest Florida State – Niceville, FL)
- Games: 49
- Batting Average: .353
- Hits: 49
- Doubles: 10
- Home Runs: 9
- RBIs: 42
- Runs Scored: 45
- Stolen Bases: 8
- On-Base Percentage: .489
- Slugging Percentage: .619
- OPS: 1.108
For a Southern Miss program that has built a reputation for developing catchers and maximizing transfer talent, Brock Clayton looks like another intriguing addition to the Black and Gold.
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