Speedy 2020 WR Porter Rooks talks interest in Clemson
Porter Rooks is one of the elite freshman wide-outs in the country.
Earlier in the week I spoke with Rooks’ teammate, 2020 defensive end prospect, Jacolbe Cowan.
Rooks and Cowan play at Providence Day school, in Charlotte, North Carolina. It is rare to find a freshman with multiple division one offers and Providence Day has two. It’s safe to say they are going to be extremely good over the next three years.
Yesterday I caught up with Rooks to talk about his recruitment.
What helped prepare you to play varsity as a freshman?
“The summer really helped me a lot mentally. Those workouts were tough and they really got me ready for the season.”
Currently holding offers from ECU, Louisville, North Carolina, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest and NC State, I asked Rooks if any program in particular stood out to him early on in his recruitment.
“Not necessarily. I really want to focus on what school will have the best fit for me in the long run.”
Clearly Rooks has a solid understanding of how to handle the recruiting process. This is not surprising being as though his older brother Patrick Rooks once went through the process himself. Patrick played basketball at Clemson from 2013-2014 before transferring.
I then asked Rooks what schools he was planning on visiting next. His answer was not definitive, but, who could expect it to be as freshman are not allowed to have direct contact with college coaches.
“All of the schools that have offered me and some of the schools that have high interest in me. But I don’t have a schedule yet.”
Clemson is one of the schools that have high interest in Rooks. The Tigers have yet to offer, but, Dabo Swinney and company are known to be thorough in their recruiting efforts before offering. As such I expect Rooks to receive an offer down the road.
Rooks was on campus for Clemson’s junior day on March 4th. Here’s what he had to say about the visit.
“The facilities were mind blowing. Overall great visit, with great communications with the coaches.”
Various recruits walk away from their visit to Clemson speaking of the family atmosphere in the program. I asked Rooks what impression he got from the staff, “The staff is very honest and they won’t sugarcoat anything.”
Did you try out the slide?
“Of course.”
Next: 3 players to watch leading up to the Spring game