2016 National Signing Day: Clemson Early Enrollee Nyles Pinckney

Though National Signing Day is just getting started, Clemson already has 6 early enrollees on campus including DT Nyles Pinckney. The DT hails from Seabrook, South Carolina and is considered to be a composite 4-star recruit. Currently Pinckney comes in at 6'3" 290 pounds, excellent numbers that would normally see him contribute immediately. He was primarily recruited by Tony Elliott with Dan Brooks as his second recruiter.

Normally Pinckney would be a threat to get some playing time his freshman year, but given our numbers at DT it is very possible he is redshirted in 2016. Clemson will have 5 DTs returning along with Dexter Lawrence joining the group as another early enrollee. Outside of an outstanding spring and fall camp it just makes sense to give Pinckney a redshirt to preserve his eligibility for the next 4 years and help balance our numbers even more.

QT'S Take:

Nyles is like a lot of South Carolina talent. High ceiling but extremely raw and in need of more discipline. He has the talent and athleticism to be a major contributor, but will need to develop that drive and work ethic. I think the folks at the Shrine Bowl overstated this point, but Nyles can have electrifying moments and then take a play or two off. I have always thought this connected to his level of competition more than anything, but we shall see. He will need to re-sculpt some of his body, but is a strong player and fluid athlete (changes direction well for a guy his size).

Pinckney will undoubtedly redshirt with our depth, but make no mistake, he is a quality lineman. He just needs some time to adjust to the level of competition he will face and the need for technique--things like pad level, leverage/not getting caught upright, and hand placement. Right now he can get away with just being the best athlete on the field. Lots to like about Nyles future and his decision to enroll early just accelerates that progression.