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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): USC Trojans

  • Verbal Commitments: 12
  • 247 Composite Rank: #13
  • 247 Composite Score: 221.19
  • 247 Composite Average Rating: 92.31

Recruit rankings:

  • 1-50: 3
  • 51-100: 1
  • 101-200: 1
  • 201-400: 2
  • 400+: 5
  • Quarterback commitments: 1

The Trojans Class of 2023 is a good example to explain how I look at recruiting classes differently than the recruiting services. The Trojans only have 12 commits, well below the Vols and the Sooners. I have them ranked the same because their class has a stronger average rating and more Top 50 recruits.

The Trojans have a top-tier quarterback prospect in Malachi Nelson, but they also have two other Top 50 recruits in Zachariah Branch and Makai Lemon.

It probably isn’t a shock that Nelson and Lemon were both once committed to Oklahoma, but both decommitted and joined Lincoln Riley’s first class at USC. Lemon is listed as an athlete, and I am not sure if it has been decided where he would play, but as Riley is considered an offensive guru, I would guess Lemon plays receiver.

Riley’s long-term success probably depends on if he can bring talent to the defensive side. He has pulled a Top 100 linebacker from LA, as well as Top 200 safety Braxton Myers from Texas, who was once thought to be a Clemson lean.

Riley has positive momentum, especially on the West Coast. He needs to take advantage of it.

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