Clemson football: 5 Tigers on 2021 roster who should’ve been 5-stars

Clemson tight end J.C. Chalk (25), linebacker James Skalski (47), and safety Nolan Turner (24) after the Tigers 30-3 win over Notre Dame in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl at AT&T stadium in Arlington, TX Saturday, December 29, 2018.Clemson Notre Dame Goodyear Cotton Bowl
Clemson tight end J.C. Chalk (25), linebacker James Skalski (47), and safety Nolan Turner (24) after the Tigers 30-3 win over Notre Dame in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl at AT&T stadium in Arlington, TX Saturday, December 29, 2018.Clemson Notre Dame Goodyear Cotton Bowl
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Clemson football
James Skalski, Clemson football Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Five Clemson football players on the 2021 roster who should’ve been 5-star but weren’t

The 2021 Clemson football team is one of the favorites to win the National Championship as we head into the offseason.

Though the start of the season is still seven months away, Clemson football fans can’t wait to see their team get back on the field, especially after a disappointing loss to Ohio State in the CFB Playoff the last time we saw the Tigers play.

As we continue to break down the 2021 roster, here’s a look at five Tigers who weren’t rated as 5-stars coming out of high school- according to the 247 Sports Composite Player Rankings- but absolutely should’ve been.

Rubbing the Rock is taking a deep dive into recruiting rankings this spring to break down star-ratings and much more.

5. James Skalski (3-star, No. 680 nationally)

James Skalski came in as part of the Class of 2016 and he was rated as the No. 680 player nationally, according to the 247 Sports’ Composite Player Rankings.

Skalski was ranked as the No. 44 OLB in the nation and the No. 61 overall player from the state of Georgia. You want to talk about a player outplaying his recruiting rankings, here’s a prime example.

Though Skalski took some time to develop, he has now become a starter and was the heart and soul of that Clemson football defense during the 2020 season. He has an opportunity to land as a mid-round draft pick before it’s all said and done and he has made a major impact that most recruiting insiders never could’ve imagined.

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