The Clemson Tigers started off the 2015 recruiting class with a bang by signing Mitch Hyatt. Hyatt, the 6-6, 258 monster out of North Gwinnett High School (Suwanee, GA), is ranked as ESPN's No.1 Offensive Tackle and No.4 overall prospect.
Besides significantly bolstering Clemson's offensive line, what does this commitment really mean?
A strengthened foothold in the great cornucopia of football talent that is known as the state of Georgia.
Georgia is currently home to 30 of of ESPN's 2015 top 300 prospects. Out of these 30 players, two are already committed to Clemson (Mitch Hyatt and Shadell Bell) and 19 are still undecided. Of these 19 undecided prospects, the top five include Trenton Thompson (ESPN's No.1 DT), Taj Griffin (ESPN's No.2 RB), Roquan Smith (ESPN's No.3 OLB), Chuma Edoga (ESPN's No.3 OT), and Arden Key (ESPN's No.8 DE). Needless to say, Georgia is currently an untapped well of talent.
By staking claim to Georgia's top prospect, Clemson has significantly solidified their recruiting legitimacy in Georgia. When you combine this huge addition with Clemson's recent national attention due to bowl game success it becomes clear that Clemson is well on its way to becoming a destination school that can compete with the likes of Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee for Georgia's top talent.
While Clemson may still be a few years (and a national title) away from definitively being a destination school, it is encouraging to see that our beloved Tigers are well on their way.