Clemson football: 2023 Class Grows Again with Vic Burley’s Commitment

Clemson football didn’t let a decommitment on Tuesday tamper the momentum of the last week for long.

Clemson’s good fortune on the recruiting trail continued Wednesday afternoon with the commitment of Vic Burley.

Burley is a defensive lineman from Warner Robins High School in Warner Robins, Georgia. He is rated as a four star recruit in the 247 Composite. He is ranked 40th overall nationally. He is the 4th defensive lineman nationally and the 2nd rated player from the state of Georgia.

Burley announced his decision live on CBS Sports HQ. He had previously announced Clemson, Georgia, Michigan State and Tennessee as his finalists.

Most analysts believe Burley is most suited to defensive tackle at the college level. They believe his frame can develop well enough that he can play on the interior of the line. He has shown a lot of promise in his early camp appearances.

Burley plans to play in this year’s All-American Bowl.

While Nathaniel Joseph re-opening his recruitment did cost Clemson a few spots in the school rankings, the addition of Burley should be enough to move Clemson to #4 overall in the 247 Composite, moving them ahead of the Ohio State Buckeyes. Clemson holds the #1 class in the ACC.

Clemson’s defensive line will need to be rebuilt after 2022 and Vic Burley is a great start

Defensive line has been a critical position for the Tigers with this class. Clemson expects several lineman, including tackles Tyler Davis and Bryan Bresee, to go pro after the 2022 season. Clemson needs to land multiple blue chip recruits to replenish their talent pool at both tackle and end. The Tigers got their first defensive end commitment from David Ojiegbe from St. John’s High School in Washington DC in April. At 6’-5” and 276 lbs, it shouldn’t take long for him to be physically ready to compete.

Clemson isn’t done on the defensive line for the Class of 2023. I fully expect them to add 2-3 more players before the class is complete. Highly coveted defensive lineman Peter Woods announces his decision on July 8th, and Clemson continues to pursue AJ Hoffler & Stephiylan Green.