Clemson Football: Can the Tigers make a run at 3-star Ohio State commit Master Teague III?
Clemson recently offered 3-star running back and 2018 Ohio State commit, Master Teague III out of Blackman high school in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
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The Clemson football program has finally pulled the trigger on another running back prospect in the 2018 recruiting class. Unfortunately this scenario is no different than the other five backs that the Tigers have offered in 2018, as Teague III is already committed elsewhere.
— Master W. Teague III (@MasterTeagueIII) June 13, 2017
At this point Clemson is spinning wheels when it comes to finding a running back in this recruiting class. The Tigers had the chance to offer Teague earlier this spring but held off. It’s possible that this apprehension was due to the chances of landing five-star RB, Zamir White.
The issue is, Clemson had been on the outside looking in for White for some time now. Waiting on him only caused the Tigers to miss out on other talented backs, namely Teague.
At 5-foot-11, 212 pounds, Teague is a freakish athlete, posting a 42.5 inch vertical and a 4.31 40-yd dash at an Ohio State camp in early June. On the gridiron Teague is a physical, north and south runner with breakaway speed.
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Can Clemson shake things up?
No, I do not see the Tigers making any noise in Teague’s recruitment. While Clemson is one of the premier programs in the country, Ohio State has a more running back friendly offensive system. The Buckeyes place an onus on running the football.
Earlier this year, I spoke with Teague and he said that he preferred to play in a more power-oriented offensive scheme, which is up Ohio State’s alley. With the Buckeyes hot on the trail of Teague’s teammate, 2019 wide receiver prospect, Trey Knox, it will be difficult for Clemson to make up the ground in his recruitment.
With Teague’s combination of power, speed and balance he is an absolute steal in my opinion. You’d be hard pressed to find a better 3-star running back in this recruiting class. Ohio State and running back’s coach, Tony Alford are going to love his decisive running style.
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In all honesty, the Tigers do not necessarily need to take a running back in this recruiting cycle. With CJ Fuller, Adam Choice, Tavien Feaster and incoming freshman, Travis Etienne Jr., Clemson is set at the position. More importantly, the Tigers are in play for a host of talented prospects at other positions. With limited scholarships available, Clemson must take the elite of the elite.
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