Elite Cornerback Recruit Andrew Booth Commits to the Clemson Tigers

Andrew Booth (6’1, 188) from Lawrenceville, GA (Archer HS), is an elite 5* CB prospect and he just committed to the Clemson Tigers over Auburn. Needless to say I am ecstatic. Booth has been my top overall need and want for Clemson in the 2019 class on the defensive side of the ball and probably overall (apart from a 5* Olineman). He is the 22nd overall commit for the 2019 class, which could continue to grow to 28-29 players or more when all is said and done. Booth is ranked as a 5* and the number 32 overall composite player. I find that very low and that he should be in the top 15 overall. Booth was my certified man crush of the cycle on defense.

Booth gives Clemson another elite CB to pair immediately with AJ Terrell after Mullen most likely heads to the NFL after this season and Mark Fields exhausts his eligibility (also one of McMichael and Goodrich could be used at Safety). Brent Venable’s scheme, especially with the entire defensive line headed to the NFL, needs elite corner play where he can stick players on an island in man coverage without Safety help over the top, freeing up another player to blitz and get pressure. Booth provides that player.

Booth is extremely physical at the point of attack. He comes up and lays a hit in run support—vicious, sure tackler. Very fast, with fluid movement and the ability to turn his hips. Already shows great technique at the high school level. He could get 5-10 pounds stronger, but he is strong enough to play early and often next year. He doesn’t attend camps very often, so the 5* rating is from actual play on the field and should be higher.

Clemson offered Booth before any other major program last summer and his recruitment took off with UGA, Bama, and Auburn offering. Clemson has held the advantage throughout the duration of the recruitment, but Auburn was able to use their Big Cat Weekend to gain a bit of traction. I have felt that Auburn mods were exaggerating their position (don’t always trust crystal balls folks), but Auburn was a legit contender working to chip away at Clemson’s lead. The uncertainty largely stemmed from not knowing what exactly Booth’s plans were going to be this past weekend with the All-In Cookout. Auburn kept saying that he was going to come to their event and the logistics were in doubt. Booth and company also waited until later in the day to head to Clemson, but when all 10 of them showed up it was over for Auburn (and again, AU’s standing was exaggerated by Auburn mods). They stayed late and Andrew never made it back to Auburn.

The All-In Cookout helped solidify things, especially with Booth bonding with future teammates such as Sheridan Jones. Clemson now has two elite corners coming in with Jones and Booth.

This commitment elevates this class substantially, especially on the defensive side of the ball. All that remains now is for Clemson to bring in a couple of elite offensive lineman and this class can be considered complete and stacked.