On Wednesday I had a conversation with Jason Priester of AllClemson.com and one of the topics was Clemson football recruiting and where the Tigers were with the 2023 cycle now that they have 19 commitments.
First, a position we’ve talked about a lot over the last several months is running back and Chris Johnson is the one back with an offer at the moment. Johnson’s recruitment will likely go into the fall and Clemson will try to get him on campus for a visit. If that doesn’t pan out the Tigers will likely move on.
Should that be the case, who knows who the next running back offer would be, at least at this point.
A name mentioned by Priester was Parker Jenkins, who the staff has had some contact with and Johnson and Jenkins are ranked similarly by 247sports.
One option mentioned by RubbingTheRock.com contributor Houston Burnett, is to sign a more “diamond in the rough” type back this year and prioritizing the position in 2024, especially with an in-state talent such as Traevon Dunbar.
Clemson football has 19 commitments in the 2023 cycle, but there’s still work to do to complete the class
The Tigers are looking for one more wide receiver and Ronan Hanafin is the name. Priester likes where the Tigers are positioned with the Cambridge, Massachusetts prep star. It’s expected Hanafin will make a decision prior to his senior season, so this will most likely be wrapped up one way or the other in the next month.
There are other names in on Hanafin, one being Notre Dame, but the feeling is perhaps things are trending towards the Tigers.
Unless something unforeseen happens Clemson is done on the offensive line this cycle and the same goes for defensive back and linebacker, but Clemson is still looking for a defensive end.
To that end, Daevin Hobbs is one name, despite not having an offer yet. Hobbs’ profile has grown and there’s a lot more interest in him than previously, so it could be a tougher battle should the Tigers eventually offer.
That may have changed recently though, especially when Tomarrion Parker, a recent Penn State decommitment, received a Clemson offer while Hobbs has yet to get one.
You can listen to the entire conversation at the link below.
Earlier this month, we mentioned that the Tigers would take Kayden McDonald as an over sign on the defensive line, if that were to happen.
This time of year, with fall camp open and the season nearing it’s easy to forget about recruiting or at least put it on the back burner. However, recruiting is the backbone of your program, it’s a year round business and the Tigers still have areas that need to be addressed this cycle.