DT Gage Cervenka Commits to Clemson

Gage Cervenka (6'3 277, 4.9 40) a DT from Emerald HS in Greenwood SC, committed to Clemson today, just a couple weeks after receiving his offer. Cervenka has offers from NC State, WF, Miami, and Duke. I would not be surprised to see a few others decide to offer him as a courtesy at least, especially if he visits anywhere else for camps. Cervenka is unrated by Rivals, but I think this is a solid 3-star prospect by their rankings. Emerald does not get many eyes so I think he's flown under the radar a bit in the state, but I'm on board with the take.

Cervenka is a state and national wrestling champion, so he understands leverage. His film shows a good motor, which is the most important thing I look for at DT. He makes plays behind the line. His pad level looks fine. His first step is good, he makes quick contact and extends his arms which makes him harder to block consistently. Other than playing weaker competition I see no real negatives here. I think you see him at a 3-technique position naturally but with the fronts we play he can play either spot.

Cervenka was recruited primarily by Mike Reed,  but did grow up a Clemson fan and his parents are Clemson fans. Since he committed within a couple weeks I think we can chalk this one up as a staff commitment instead of a particular coach. We still expect Clemson to go hard after Huggins as the other DT take we must get this cycle. Cervenka is the 10th commit for a full class.