Clemson football features an elite front-seven with a bevy of future NFL players. The Tigers signed a trio of stars from the Carolina’s yesterday in an effort to reload.
With Clemson signing five players ranked No. 1 in their respective states yesterday, it’s clear that they are a national force on the recruiting trail. That being said, Dabo Swinney and his staff made it abundantly clear that the state of South Carolina comes first.
The Tigers signed three of the top 10 players and five of the top 20 players in the Palmetto state. Brent Venables and Todd Bates were also able to lure the No. 2 overall player in the state of North Carolina in 5-star defensive end, KJ Henry.
Local talent
Not mentioned above was 5-star defensive end, Xavier Thomas, who is originally from Wilson High School in Florence, South Carolina. With him, Josh Belk and Henry in the fold, the Tigers’ defensive line will be lead by talent, almost entirely, from the Carolina’s, down the road.
Clemson also signed Jake Venables, the son of current defensive coordinator Brent Venables. In Venables, the Tigers are getting a long linebacker with intriguing upside. At 6-foot-2, 229 pounds, Venables is extremely physical with room to gain more muscle.
Not only are the Tigers bringing in a host of talent from the Carolina’s, they have local talent already on the roster. Players like Logan Rudolph, Justin Foster and Nyles Pinckney will see their roles increase next season. As will Cornell Powell, Diondre Overton and John Simpson.
Next: Clemson vs. Alabama will decide much more than the natty
Clemson’s recent National Championship is already paying off on the recruiting trail. Dabo Swinney and his staff have already signed four five-star prospects this cycle. Based on the trajectory of the program, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Tigers rival that number in future classes.