On Friday, March 8, Washington Redskins LB Josh Harvey-Clemons went back to Clyattville Elementary School to encourage students to dream, believe and achieve. Harvey-Clemons expressed the importance of setting goals and, despite any setbacks, continuing to work hard and believe that, no matter the adversities faced, goals can be achieved through hard work and dedication.
The Valdosta, Georgia native placed heavy emphasis on kids listening to teachers, following directions and maintaining good grades. Harvey-Clemons grew up in the Lowndes County school system, attending the aforementioned elementary school in second grade.
“It’s a blessing for one to be in the position to come back and speak to them,” the 2017 draft pick said. “I’m just grateful for my aunties and uncles. my uncle (Owen Clemons) was the superintendent of Brooks County Schools which gave me the opportunity to go and speak there. My other Auntie Creacy (Sermons) who was the principle of Westside Elementary reached out to me and I accepted the invitation to go there. My Auntie Betty (Thomas) was the assistant principal here [at Clyattville Elementary] so I don’t mind doing things like this. This is where I come from.”
More than 10 of Harvey-Clemons’ family members have careers in education, led by his Aunt Betty who is a recently retired assistant principal and Title I Parent Coordinator. She was the first in her family to graduate high school and college.
“Our family is basically embedded in it,” Harvey-Clemons said of the teaching profession. “We come from a small town and not many people make it out and I just want them to know that if I can, they can.”
When asked about his play and growth as a linebacker for the Redskins in 2018, the former seventh-round pick was honest in his assessment of himself.
“Last year I feel like I improved but, in my mind, I’m still not where I want to be,” Harvey-Clemons said. “I improved as far as playing in all the games. I was able to increase my roll — which was third-down-and-two-minute — and with that, I was able to gain more experience under my belt [as a] linebacker. It’s really given me confidence coming into my third year.”
Last year the Lowndes High School product played in all 16 regular season games for Washington, recording 22 combined tackles (18 solo), one tackle for a loss, two QB hits, one sack and three passes defended. He has even higher aspirations for himself in 2019.
“I’m looking forward to being able to be a full-time starter,” the defenseman said. “Going in and working hard to solidify myself… to be an every-down linebacker. I’ve been able to play in some big-time situations like two-minute and end-of-the-game. Those are tough situations. Now I just really want to prepare myself this offseason, to be able to contribute more to the team and possibly become an every-down linebacker.”
The Redskins got off to what seemed to be a promising start last season, earning a 6-3 record early. But even as they finished the season 7-9, Harvey-Clemons feels the opportunities are limitless for the team in 2019.
“If we are able to stay healthy and stay together, then the sky is the limit,” the University of Louisville alumna said. “We have a lot of guys like me. I have never been to the playoffs so I’m hungry, man. I want to see what the playoff atmosphere is like. I want to be out there and feel it and hopefully make it to the Super Bowl. We have to start off taking it one step at a time and first making it to the playoffs. If we can stay healthy, I feel like there isn’t to many teams that can play with us.”