With the college football offseason being in full tilt after the conclusion of spring games, there is so much to talk about in terms of the unknowns on rosters, specifically Clemson football – who will play, who will contribute, who will redshirt, etc.
In this series, we will dive into who the players are in Clemson’s 2025 recruiting class, what they do well, and what I think their role will be for the 2025 season.
Let’s take a look at the big hogmollie in this class, Brayden Jacobs.
Tale of the tape
- Name: Brayden Jacobs
- Hometown: Milton, Ga. (Milton High School, Buford High School)
- Height/Weight: 6-foot-7, 320 pounds
- Position: Offensive Tackle
- Average Rating (Max = 100)/Stars (Max = 5): 95.15/4.00 **Ratings are a composite score from 247, On3, and Rivals
Broad analysis
Brayden Jacobs is very unique in the sense that he comes in with the height and weight of a fifth-year senior. Jacobs is every bit of 6-foot-7 and has a frame that holds 320 pounds very well.
During spring ball, Jacobs was baptized by fire; due to injuries on the offensive line, he was having to run out with the starters and face the likes of TJ Parker and Will Heldt. Did he win every rep? No. Did he get whooped at times? Yes. However, the best thing he showed was getting right back in there -- over and over again. It’s hard mentally when you’re losing to guys repeatedly after dominating the high school ranks, and I thought Jacobs showed something that not many big time recruits have immediately: heart.
Now, don’t get me wrong, Jacobs is no “underdog, feel good story.” This cat can play and he plays mean. While breaking down his high school tape, you see a guy who plays through the whistle - making the player he’s blocking pay for being in his way. A natural run-blocker, Jacobs flows through his progression from the first level (defensive line) to the second level (linebackers) smoothly. He has good, purposeful, feet in the sense that he doesn’t waste a step in pass-protection and run-blocking.
The one thing I’d really like to see him do better is sit still in his stance -- Jacobs seems to get a little jittery when getting set. Maybe he’s uncomfortable or excited to tear someone’s head off, but it could cause some refs to throw false start flags.
Overall, Jacobs is a rare talent who has size, more size, even more size, and pairs it with effort. You don’t see many 6-foot-7, 320-pound kids also have the most effort on the field. Jacobs does.
2025 contribution level
Jacobs will most likely crack the two-deep and be asked to learn both the left and right tackle spots. He’s not going to jump Tristian Leigh or Blake Miller (barring injuries), but will be able to get a lot of good reps late in games or if someone is to go down. Jacobs will be able to provide a level of depth for the Clemson offensive line that most schools don’t have and Tiger fans should be beyond excited for him.
Predicted 2025 stats
- 10 games played