We’ve detailed Clemson football and it’s attempt to add a running back to the 2023 class fairly frequently here and we’ve taken note of the varying responses of our concern about the lack of a back in this class.
Some are worried about it more than others and others aren’t worried about it at all.
The main reason I’m “worried” about it (not too much though) is that the coaches obviously feel like they need a running back in this class and have tried and failed to attract one to date.
Call me crazy, but I think the coaches know what they need and their actions speak volumes.
To that end, 4 star running back Christopher Johnson from Dillard High in Fort Lauderdale, Florida announced a Clemson offer yesterday.
Extremely blessed to receive an offer from Clemson!!! @CJSPILLER @CoachStreeter @Dillard_DHS @Andrew_Ivins @ClemsonSportsHQ @TEAM_TATE_FLA @HBFATHLETES pic.twitter.com/G1qbmLw08K
— 6eraaa (@christopherj6_) July 6, 2022
Johnson is listed as 5’11 and 178 pounds on his 247sports.com profile, where he’s rated as the 413th best player overall and 30th best running back in the sites composite rankings.
RubbingtheRock.com contributor Houston Burnett describes Johnson as “fast as mess” and similar to Parker Jenkins, who the Tigers have not offered as of yet.
Clemson football has approached recruiting running backs in the 2023 cycle in a manner that concerns some
Don’t the ranking above fool you, Johnson’s list of suitors is long and full of A-List programs, including Alabama, Florida State, Miami and Texas A&M among others.
Where the Tigers sit in that group is anyone’s guess and it’s pretty obvious that they’re late to the offer party, waiting until other options disappeared before turning their gaze Johnson’s way.
There is some uneasiness in those I talk to about the “one at a time” approach to running back recruiting that’s happening this cycle.
My guess is that if the Tigers had a commitment at the position no one would care, but since they don’t, it’s fair game to criticize or at least question the process.
In my mind the process has worked well in the past and Dabo has shown the willingness to change (offering players earlier, for example) his process if it no longer works.
The question is, when does the decision to change get made and will it be too late this cycle?
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