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Well folks, we’ve hit the dreaded dead period between the New Year’s bowl games and the National Championship game. Are you having college football withdrawals? Do you have a countdown clock set for 8:00PM January 7th? Have you rewatched the dismantling of Notre Dame more than you care to admit?
Don’t be ashamed – I’m right there with you. I’m reading message boards, scouting Alabama, and have reveled in the meltdown over at our (little) sister site GABA. Unfortunately, those remedies, mixed with a heavy dose of Justyn Ross highlights, can only keep my hunger for football satisfied for so long. I need some fresh football.
So – what are my options? The NFL? That doesn’t start until Saturday afternoon. Replays? Seen them all. My 2016 National Title DVD? Been there, done that, enjoyed the hell out of it.
To put this metaphorically – I’m Andy Dufresne escaping Shawshank. I know freedom is within my reach. But first, I’ve gotta crawl through a river of raw sewage.
Welcome to high school all-star games! They’re the nicotine patch of the football world. Is it as good as the real thing? Heck no. Will it get you through the day? Your loved ones better hope so.
Luckily for us Clemson fans, we have plenty of commits (and a few targets) to watch, evaluate, and root for during the two all-star games that happen this week. In total, eight Clemson commits, three targets, and countless other players you might find interesting to see live are participating.
Do like I will here – sit down, take your football medicine, and make wild conclusions based on some exhibition football. Leave some comments and let’s debate. Together, we can crawl through this river of shit and come out clean on the other side.
Under Armour All American Bowl - Thursday, January 3rd, 6:00PM, ESPN2
Clemson Players: Team Flash: CB Sheridan Jones, LB Bryton Constantin; Team Ballaholics (no…really): DT Tyler Davis
Clemson Targets: RB Jerrion Ealy (Ole Miss verbal, Team Flash), CB Akeem Dent (FSU Verbal, Team Ballaholics)
Other Notable Players: LB Owen Pappoe (Auburn), OT Wanya Morris (Tennesee), DE Zacch Pickens (USCjr), OL Clay Webb (UGA)
What I’m Looking Forward to: I’m hoping Tyler Davis blows through Clay Webb at least once. I’ll be anxiously observing Zacch Pickens – who has received stellar reviews at practice this week. I can’t wait to watch Sheridan Jones turn his swag meter up to 11.
US Army All American Bowl - Saturday, January 5th, 12:00PM, NBC
Clemson Players: East Team: WR Frank Ladson, OG Will Putnam, LB Kane Patterson, RB Chez Mellusi; West Team: WR Joe Ngata
Clemson Targets: WR Puka Nacua (USCsr Verbal, considering a Clemson official visit in January, West Team)
Other Notable Players: DE Nolan Smith (UGA), OT Harry Miller (Ohio St), ATH Quavaris Crouch (Tennessee), QB Ryan Hilinski (USCjr), QB Sam Howell (UNC), QB Taulia Tagovailoa (Alabama), CB Tiawan Mullen (Indiana)
What I’m Looking Forward to: I want to see our two 5-Star wide receivers show out on a national stage. Particularly Joe Ngata – who hasn’t participated in many camps against elite competition and could propel his ranking even higher with a big game. Wide receiver Puka Nacua, who is brand new to Clemson’s recruiting board, will also be playing for the West squad and I’ll enjoy watching him play for the first time.