In case you’re living in a cave, or have bad internet like me, maybe you haven’t heard that this coming weekend is a big one for Clemson football.
There is some angst among the fan base as the Tigers sit with four commitments in late May, while other teams seemingly reap recruit after recruit.
AllClemson.com recruiting analyst Jason Priester has some advice and words of wisdom on checking your expectations for the coming weekend.
Tiger Tracker: All Clemson Recruiting Mailbag https://t.co/p5zRT9CHap via @jp_priestersi
— Jason Priester (@JP_Priester) May 31, 2022
When asked if we can expect commits from the weekend ahead, Priester said it’s difficult to predict what teenagers will do on a whim, but was clear that if no one commits this weekend the sky is not falling.
It’s an unpopular take most of the time, but it’ll also save you some unnecessary stress more often than not.
"Honestly, that is something that is really hard to predict, so let’s put it this way. If there are no commitments next weekend, that’s not necessarily a sign of doom and gloom. Many of the players scheduled to take official visits next weekend have more scheduled throughout the month of June. This is Clemson’s chance to really put their best foot forward with the top targets that will be on hand before they go on other officials. While it’s generally a good thing to get the final visit it’s not always a bad thing to be getting the first official visit."
Priester expects a number of targets to commit before their senior seasons start, but not necessarily this weekend.
Priester also reiterates something I’ve harped on a few times in the last couple of months: Putting players in the NFL matters and that’s something the Tigers need to work on, especially on the offensive line.
"And yes, Clemson has lost two recruiting battles to Notre Dame so far in this cycle. Irish OL coach Harry Hiestand has a long track record of putting offensive linemen into the NFL and until Clemson starts putting more guys into the league at that position, it is a hurdle they will have to continue to cross."
It’s really not rocket science when you think about it. Think what having skill players in the NFL has done for Clemson in those areas. Kids sitting at home hear the Clemson name repeatedly every Sunday and that resonates with recruits.
Yes, it’s a big weekend ahead for the Tigers, but not getting a big name or a commitment at all shouldn’t be viewed as a failure. Recruiting is playing the long game most of the time and this appears to be one of those times.