All-In Cookout: Clemson BBQ and July Recruiting

So it is finally time for the 2014 All-In Cookout but from what has happened it might as well be called the 2015 All-In Cookout. Everyone has released the master lists now so as you can see it is no big shakes in 2014. The one name I have been holding on to that should be coming is Nolan Kelleher who I have learned is a possible take on the OL still (remember we recently got Justin Falcinelli). I was very shocked to find this out--that we are taking this many Olineman in the 2014 class. *Edit: Looks like TI beat me to this nugget before I posted. Bartow scoops me again...

We have 10 of our current 14 commits coming to the BBQ which is a very smart move. You build the cohesion and camaraderie in a relaxed environment that really represents the Clemson brand and major selling points. Nothing says family like a BBQ so I am glad that this has continued. You get the commits on campus in July just before they go back to their high school teams and lives. Here is the list of 2014 attendees:

C.J. Fuller, RB, Easley
Taylor Hearn, OL, Williston-Elko
Kendall Joseph, LB, Belton-Honea Path
Demarre Kitt, WR, Tyrone (GA) Sandy Creek
Jae'lon Oglesby, RB, Central-D.W. Daniel
Milan Richard, TE, Savannah (GA) Calvary Baptist
Korie Rogers, LB, Buford (GA)
Alex Spence, K, Florence-West
Artavis Scott, WR, Tarpon Springs (FL) East Lake
Deshaun Watson, QB, Gainesville (GA)

2014 Targets:

Nolan Kelleher OL Wando

I think this means that we will see that needed attrition happening sooner rather than later. I trust Morris and Caldwell to crack the whip a little bit in this regard.

A little disappointed we couldn't get a D-lineman to come in. DE Andrew Williams was supposed to be coming but apparently decided to go to Ole Miss instead. Would have loved to have persuaded a big time DL recruit like Lorenzo Cater or Kentravious Street to come. A little surprised not to see LB Raekwon McMillan not on the official list either. CB DJ Smith would be the other guy who possibly could have come.

You don't see WR Trey Quinn on the list. He was at the LSU camp this week but did not commit during the camp. The longer he waits, the better our chances but it seems that he is leaning more towards LSU at this point. He grew up in Louisiana and really has a strong connection to the state and he made some good connections to other possible LSU commits like Brandon Harris. He will commit before the start of his senior season so the clock is ticking. If he doesn't commit to LSU this week then we are really in this.

DE Rick Leonard (teammate of 2014 commit Justin Falcinelli (Md)) also camped at FSU and should decide between Clemson and FSU by the end of month. I still believe we are in a solid position here.

2015 Targets

Michael Barnett , DE, Dorchester-Woodland
George Campbell George Campbell
Wide Receiver
6-5, 200
Tarpon Springs, FL
View Full Profile, WR, Tarpon Springs (FL) East Lake
Kaleb Chalmers, CB, Greenwood (SC)
Taj Griffin , RB, Powder Springs (GN
Noah Green, OL, Boiling Springs
Mitch Hyatt, OL, Suwanee (GA) North Gwinnett
Lorenzo Nunez , QB, Kennesaw (GA) Harrison

This is just a ridiculously loaded group of players. ESPN put out a 2015 300jr list (which I think is not a necessary list) and George Campbell is number 3 overall and Mitch Hyatt is number 4 overall. Campbell, the teammate of 2014 WR commit Artavis Scott, is just a freak of an athlete at 6'5 and running a legit, laser timed 4.4 40. He could line up most places on the field but will most likely stick at WR. This guy is Sammy Watkins kind of good with more size. Florida is believed to be the early front runners but with Campbell coming to campus--we have to be thought of as being in the lead group.

Hyatt will be the top OLineman in the 2015 class and is the nephew of former Tiger player Dan Benish (not a bad uncle to have teaching you some pointers!). Noah Green's parents also attended Clemson so there are strong ties there as well.

Wish we could have pulled in Shy Tuttle and a few other 2015 guys but that is getting greedy. Would be beautiful to land an early 2015 commitment (or at least line-up a few) to maintain that national attention and momentum as we transition to the next class.