Jesse Clifton earns football scholarship from Methodist University

Feb 27, 2026

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Travis Petty Jr Sports Editor

Scots senior Jesse Clifton (7) versus the Overhills Jaguars on Sept. 12, 2025. Clifton received a football scholarship offer from Methodist University.

Courtesy Photo

Scots senior Jesse Clifton (15) at the free-throw line during a game against St. Pauls on Dec. 10, 2025.

Travis Petty Jr | The Laurinburg Exchange

LAURINBURG —Scotland High athlete Jesse Clifton received a football scholarship from Methodist University on Friday.

Clifton is a two-sport athlete. In football, he served as the Scots’ starting outside linebacker and tight end, finishing his high school career with 62 total tackles, three sacks, one forced fumble and a touchdown. He concluded his basketball career with averages of 4.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game.

Shylan Harrell, Clifton’s teammate in basketball and football at Scotland High, also received a football scholarship from Methodist University.

“Receiving this offer will help me become better not only on the field but off it as well. Methodist showed me the culture they’re striving to build in young men to become leaders in today’s society,” Clifton said.

Travis Petty Jr can be reached at [email protected] or 910.506.3171 ext 2027. Follow him on X @T_PettySports.