MORROW, Ga. – The Clayton State Department of Athletics continues its feature series that highlights members of its Athletics Hall of Fame. This week's spotlight feature highlights Keith Herring, a member of the fourth class to be inducted into the Clayton State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2017.
A 6-5 forward, Herring made an immediate impact on a young program in just its second year of existence.
Teaming with fellow future Hall of Famer Carlos Head (Class of 2014) to destroy opposing teams offensively and defensively he averaged a team leading 17.9 points and 9.2 rebounds while starting all 26 games he played in during his first year. He also averaged 1.3 steals and 1.9 assists and shot an impressive .501 from the field.
Limited to just six games in 1992-93, he still averaged 14.2 points, 9.5 boards and 1.7 steals per game. As a senior the following year he came back with a vengeance and not only had one of his best campaigns but helped deliver what is still the best season in program history.
The Lakers 25-7 overall record that season still represents the most wins in team history and is tied for the fewest losses. That year, even as he dealt with personal tragedy, Herring was Clayton State's quiet and consummate leader and helped develop the team into a contender.
He was twice named Georgia Athletic Conference Player of the Week in 1993-94 and accomplished some incredible performances to earn those honors. Among those were a 9-of-9 performance from the field against Southern Tech (2/19/94) that is still a program record, clinching a share of the first title in Clayton State Athletics history and becoming just the second 1,000-point scorer in team history. He accomplished the latter with 18 points at LaGrange on February 23, 1994.
Over the course of his career, Herring posted career averages of 17.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.3 steals while shooting .547 from the floor and was named to the All-NAIA District 25 Second Team (1991-92), All-Georgia Athletic Conference Team (1993-94). He was also a preseason selection to both of those teams as a junior and senior.
One of the best rebounders in Laker history, Herring holds the single game rebounding record with 19 against Brewton-Parker on January 11, 1992 and the highest career rebounding average (8.8 rpg.). He is also No. 1 all-time in field goal percentage for a single season (.589 in 1993-94) and defensive rebounds (156 in 1993-94).
His 17.3 points per game is the third highest for a career while his offensive (209) and defensive (344) rebounds are both third on the all-time list.
Herring is also second with 553 career boards more than 20 years after his playing career concluded.
About the Hall of Fame
Established in 2013, the Clayton State Athletics Hall of Fame was created to honor former Laker student-athletes, coaches, administrators, faculty/staff and community members who have, by their outstanding achievements, contributed to the ideals of the Clayton State Department of Athletics. Seven classes and 27 former student-athletes, coaches, administrators and special inductees have been enshrined.
Past Spotlights:
Candi Wyatt
Jackeline Nieto
Dr. Harry S. Downs
Robert Conley
Dr. Joseph S. Wilkes
Lisa Williams
Allison Kreutzer
Dr. Charlie Frazier Jr.
Nkiru Okosieme
Carlos Head
Alex Dowling
Mason Barfield
