2023 Player Spotlight/Interview with Troy Hazuda from Oregon Clay High School

[LICKING COUNTY FAN]

Troy Hazuda

Clay High School (Oregon, OH)

WR/DB

2025

Football or baseball: which of the two sports do you feel you are better at?

Growing up it wasn’t always clear which I was better at, but over the past few years, my love for football has pushed me to work hard to excel in football. So definitely football.

How long have you played each sport?

I’ve played football since I was 5. I’ve played baseball since I was about 4.

What are your personal goals this season, along with the biggest goal you have set for the team?

One of the biggest goals I’ve had for myself is double-digit reception touchdowns. A goal I set for the team is an 8-win season. I'd be extremely proud with an 8-win season coming off a 5-win season. However, we’re fighting for undefeated.

What is the hardest part about Clay High School? two-a-day practice?

The hardest part about practices at Clay for most guys is the little details you have to listen close for. If you don’t get the little details and apply them, you simply won’t play.

What did you learn from the 2022 season that you will use this season to be more of a force on the field?

Over the off-season I’ve put more work in to get faster and stronger, so I think using my abilities to hand fight and beat a defensive back is something I’ve learned. Just to always bet on me.

Of the road games you have played in, which stadium had the best environment, along with what made it so good?

Last season, week 3 against Springfield was an awesome environment. Both teams were in a dogfight, and both student sections, parent sections, bands, and cheerleaders, were all loud with excitement and passion for our respective teams.

You have two years left on the football field to open a lot of eyes for college coaches. What must you improve on the most to do this?

A stand-out junior and senior season is what is most important in my eyes to catch the eyes of college coaches. As well as getting faster and stronger for the next camp season to showcase my ability. It’s important to show that I am a leader of the program as well.

Where should the state finals be held?

Ohio High School state finals should definitely be held at the Horseshoe at OSU. Simply because it’s right in the middle of the state and it’s a high-level Division 1 football field.

What are your thoughts on 16 teams per region qualifying for the playoffs?

I really like the change to 16 teams per region making the playoffs because it gives teams that possibly had a rough game or two to show that they belong in the run for a regional run, and ultimately a state-run. It gave us a chance last year as a 5-5 team being a 15 seed, so I definitely love the change.

Who is the best player you have ever gone against, and which team did he play for?

Well, the best players I have ever gone against are the Montgomery brothers from Findlay. However, I didn’t technically go head-to-head with either of them. So, when it comes to defensive backs I’ve had to go up against, the best in my opinion was Justyn Toler from St. John’s Jesuit High School, who now plays D1 football at Colgate.

Coming off a 5-5 season, including a five-game losing streak, what will it take this season to improve that record and make a deep playoff run?

We’re just looking to progress day by day as a team, little by little. Building off of last year is important to us, especially when it comes to our playoff. Being a first-round exit last year, we’re looking to push for more playoff wins!

Have you ever heard of http://yappi.com and/or http://southeasternohiopreps.com?

This is my first time, but I will surely check them out!

What is your favorite genre of music?

My favorite genre of music is rap.

Which pro football team do you like seeing get beaten the most?

As a Steelers fan, I extremely enjoy seeing the Browns get beat.