Rubbing the Rock
Fansided

Which defensive tackle will Clemson land next for the 2018 class?

By Tyreese Ingram

Dec 3, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Jerod Evans (4) attempts a pass under pressure from Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (90) and defensive lineman Christian Wilkins (42) during the first half of the ACC Championship college football game at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Jerod Evans (4) attempts a pass under pressure from Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (90) and defensive lineman Christian Wilkins (42) during the first half of the ACC Championship college football game at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

After signing no defensive tackles in the 2017 recruiting class, Clemson football will look to add at least two players at that position for 2018. 

Currently, the Tigers have six defensive tackles on the roster after the departure of junior Scott Pagano. Pagano was going to backup sophomore Dexter Lawrence, but decided to take his degree and experience elsewhere for 2017-18. Now Clemson could lose Christian Wilkins to the NFL and Lawrence, Albert Huggins and Jabril Robinson could be the next to leave in 2018-19. Huggins would be a senior, Robinson a redshirt senior and Lawrence a potential first round pick.

So who could be the next tackle to pledge to Clemson?

With Josh Belk already verbally committed for 2018, new defensive line coach Todd Bates and defensive coordinator Brent Venables will look to get at least one more tackle for the proposed small class.

IMG Academy’s Taron Vincent was the top candidate, but the #1 rated player at that position won’t be following his IMG teammate Mike Jones Jr. to Clemson. Vincent will either be a Buckeye or join Marvin Wilson, the #1 defensive tackle for 2017, in Tallahassee, FL.

Here are the other possible options who could fill that spot:

Each one of these players can be found on 247sports list of top defensive tackles.

Matthew Jones, Erasmus Hall(NY)

Jones is number three on the list and holds a Clemson offer, but Ohio State is his leader.

Austin Fontaine, Dematha Catholic(MD)

Fontaine has a Clemson offer but the number four defensive tackle hasn’t visited Clemson since 2015.

TK Chimedza, IMG Academy(FL)

Chimedza is ranked 14th and visited the Clemson campus on Mar 4 with some of his teammates including Vincent, Stephon Wynn, Xavier Thomas and Jones Jr. Chimedza doesn’t have an offer and the Georgia native has Duke, Georgia and FSU high on his list.

Coynis Miller, Jackson Olin(AL)

Miller holds an offer from the Tigers, but has yet to visit. Auburn and Alabama will be tough to beat for number 23. Particularly, Auburn, because he has unofficially been there five times.

Jordan Davis(#26), Mallard Creek High(NC)

Davis doesn’t have a Clemson offer yet, but Clemson is listed among his top five.

Aeneas Hawkins(#29), Archbishop Moeller(OH)

Hawkins will make his verbal commitment on May 10. He is another player who looks to be a future Buckeye, but Clemson is one of eight teams that could get a visit in April. He has an offer and made an unofficial visit last April.

Darnell Jefferies(#31), Newton High(GA)

Jefferies picked up an offer on the Mar 4 Junior Day and has been back to the campus three times. His most recent visit was just yesterday. Georgia is the team to beat here.

Ja’mion Franklin(#32), North Caroline(MD)

Franklin doesn’t have an offer but made a trip to Clemson for Junior Day(Mar 4).

If Clemson misses out on all of these guys, they will be desperately looking for help at this position for 2019. Not only will defensive tackles be a priority but a priority will be getting quality depth to replace Wilkins and the 2019 departures.

Home/Clemson Football Recruiting