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Clemson Football Recruiting: Alim McNeil Offer Breakdown

By Anthony Messenger

Dec 31, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) is pressured by Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Albert Huggins (67) during the fourth quarter during the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher/The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) is pressured by Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Albert Huggins (67) during the fourth quarter during the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher/The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Sports /
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The Clemson football coaching staff has been busy on the recruiting trail since the beginning of the spring evaluation period. Today I will be breaking down the offer of 2018 defensive tackle, Alim McNeill.

Related Story: Clemson Football Recruiting: Kelvin Joseph Offer Breakdown

Clemson recruits differently than some of the other power-five programs, especially at defensive tackle. The Tigers are prone to taking smaller, more explosive defensive tackles at times, for instance Grady Jarrett (6-foot, 300 pounds) and Nyles Pinckney (6-foot-1, 295 pounds).

The Tigers recently extended a scholarship offer to Alim McNeill, a tweener at defensive tackle. McNeill stands 6-foot-2, 271 pounds and has the athleticism to play defensive end or even linebacker.

Strengths:

Alim McNeill is one of the most athletic defensive tackle prospects you will see on the high school level, in fact that position is more of a projection than anything. At the moment, McNeill plays middle linebacker for Sanderson High School in Raleigh, North Carolina. The scariest part is the fact that he looks comfortable at linebacker.

One other impressive aspect of McNeill’s game is his ability to tackle in space. Rarely are interior defensive lineman forced to play in space, however at linebacker McNeill is forced to do so and he has proven he is more than capable.

Need:

Clemson is likely to lose Christian Wilkins to the NFL following next season and then Dexter Lawrence following the 2018 season. As such, the Tigers need to find their replacements.

See also: Analyzing 2018 DT Commit Josh Belk

Signing McNeil in this recruiting cycle, would give Clemson a chance to sit and develop him physically. At 272 pounds and with little experience with his hand in the dirt, McNeil has some work to do before he is ready to play.

Outlook:

Offering Alim McNeill was a smart move on the part of the Clemson Tigers. While he holds offers from 26 programs across the country, only one carries the title, Reigning National Champions. At the moment, Virginia Tech is McNeill’s leader, however, Clemson may be able to work their way into the picture in his recruitment.

Next: Tigers Making Good Impression On Trio of Texas Prospects

Be sure to stay tuned to Rubbing The Rock for more Clemson Football news and updates on the recruitment of Alim McNeill.

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