While the Clemson football program is located in South Carolina, the Tigers recruiting footprint reaches to every corner of the country. Entering fall camp, the Tigers have a host of projected starters from the state of North Carolina.
One of the most ancient recruiting philosophies in the world of college football is too “put a border” around your state. Most college coaches try to lock up the best players in their backyard and while Clemson uses this tactic to a certain degree, the Tigers employ more unorthodox recruiting methods.
Under Dabo Swinney, Clemson has committed majority of their resources to out-of-state prospects, while cherry picking the best that the Palmetto State has to offer. One of Clemson’s most fruitful areas of recruiting is North Carolina.
Entering the 2017 season, the Tigers have 15 players on roster from the Tar Heel State. Of those 15, 10 were listed on Clemson’s recently released 2017 summer depth chart.
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Projected starters
The following North Carolina natives are projected starters entering fall camp.
Tyrone Crowder (OG) Marston, North Carolina:
Crowder has been a mainstay on Clemson’s offensive line for the past two seasons and he is the Tigers best returning lineman in my opinion. At 6-foot-2, 340 pounds, Crowder is the complete package at guard, he has the size and athleticism to be successful in nearly any blocking scheme. At Clemson, Crowder has proven himself to be great in combo blocking, especially when climbing to the second level on smaller defenders.
Sean Pollard (RT) Jackson Springs, North Carolina:
Yet another North Carolina native helping to anchor Clemson’s offensive line, Sean Pollard, was impressive during his freshman campaign. Coming into his second season as a full-time starter, Pollard should improve substantially from 2016. At 6-foot-5, 315 pounds, Pollard held his own on the edge against pass rushers such as, Ryan Anderson from Alabama and Brian Burns from Florida State. He has the length and footwork to turn into an NFL caliber tackle down the road.
See also: Dabo Swinney a prime example of why patience is needed in the world of College Football
Dexter Lawrence (DT) Wake Forest, North Carolina:
A sure-fire top 10 pick whenever he decides to enter the NFL draft, Dexter Lawrence, has a heap of expectations entering his sophomore season. At 6-foot-5, 340 pounds Lawrence was simply too much for opposing offensive lineman to handle at times during the 2016 season. With that imposing size and his surprising explosion and speed, Lawrence is a nightmare on the interior defensive line.
Tanner Muse (SS) Belmont, North Carolina:
Muse is the least-established player on this list, however, he has gobs of untapped potential. With his twitchy, 6-foot-2, 220 pound frame, Muse reminds me of former Notre Dame great and current Minnesota Vikings safety, Harrison Smith.
Van Smith (FS) Charlotte, North Carolina:
Coming into his third year in the program and second as a starter, Van Smith figures to be one of the leaders of Clemson’s defense in 2017. Though Smith is small in stature, he is a sure tackler who invites contact. I recently discussed why Smith is Clemson’s most underrated defender coming into this season.
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With rotational players such as Mark Fields, Jabril Robinson, Cornell Powell and Diondre Overton being from the Tar Heel State, you could make the argument that North Carolina is currently Clemson’s most high-yielding recruiting pipeline.