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Clemson football: The best recruiting classes in the 2023 cycle

By John Chancey

Aug 29, 2019; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers mascot carries the National Championship trophy down the hill prior to the game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 29, 2019; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers mascot carries the National Championship trophy down the hill prior to the game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports /
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#9 (Tied): Oklahoma Sooners

  • Verbal Commitments: 16
  • 247 Composite Rank: #9
  • 247 Composite Score: 243.13
  • 247 Composite Average Rating: 91.15

Recruit rankings:

  • 1-50: 1
  • 51-100: 3
  • 101-200: 2
  • 201-400: 2
  • 400+: 8
  • Quarterback commitments: 1

There isn’t a lot to parse between Tennessee and Oklahoma. The Vols have two more commitments, but they are well outside the Top 400. When it comes to the quality at the top, the Sooners are comparable.

Coach Brent Venables isn’t just trying to build a roster in Norman. He is trying to build a culture as well and is taking a lot of his cues from what he learned from his time in Clemson. He is just getting started, but the early returns have been positive. He has scored eight commitments in the Top 400 so far. The most notable name is 5-star quarterback Jackson Arnold, who was named the 2022 Elite 11 MVP.

Those two extra lower ranked recruits are pulling the Vols’ average rating down a bit. When you focus on the quality at top, they are nearly identical. I think the world of Coach V, and I think he will have success on the recruiting trail in Norman. I do wonder how smooth his transition from defensive coordinator to head coach will be next season. It might be a process of trial and error.

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