4-Star OG Paul Tchio Signs Letter of Intent

Clemson received a signed letter of intent from Paul Tchio today. Tchio will join Clemson from Alpharetta, Georgia (Milton). The 4-star OG measures out to 6’5’’ 299lb and is rated as the #3 OG in the 2020 class and #100 player overall per the 247Sports Composite®.

Area recruiter Mickey Conn and position coach Robbie Caldwell led the pursuit of Tchio. Clemson received a verbal commitment from him last October following Clemson’s victory of the University of South Carolina. At the time, he picked Clemson over offers from a number of blue blood schools such as his early leader Alabama. Other powers like Georgia, Florida, Florida State and Ohio State had also offered.

Tchio is an often overlooked but very valuable member of the 2020 class. His #100 composite ranking is reflective of his skillset and versatility. Tchio is an ideal match for Robbie Caldwell’s cross training philosophy across the offensive line and could realistically play all five positions on the offensive line. Foot quickness is his most notable trait and he will need to continue building strength once he enrolls, like most freshmen. His verified results from the Opening Finals include a 5.30 40-yard dash, 4.70 shuttle, and a 28 inch vertical leap. You can watch Tchio in action during the US Army All American Bowl on January 4th.

Tchio will have an opportunity to contribute early given both John Simpson and Gage Cervenka are both graduating following this year. Will Putnam and Matt Bockhorst are the Tiger’s projected 2020 starters but a position on the 2-deep is not out of the question. Tchio has early enrollment working in his favor and will clearly have the most raw talent at guard outside of the aforementioned starters. Look for Tchio to avoid redshirt and be part of the offensive line rotation during his freshman year.

Take a look at Tchio’s hudl film below and share your thoughts in the comments

QT’s Take:

In my mind, Tchio is one of the safer bets in this offensive line class. He and Parks are your safest bets to be hits. Tchio had a really good senior year and he has started the transformation from big high school player pushing people around to technician at the collegiate level. Paul also reshaped his body in the Summer and has added some strength and agility in the process. He went from at least 320 to around 300 for his senior year.

NFL caliber frame and wingspan. Plays against decent competition at Milton HS in GA and has quality coaching. Tchio played his entire Junior year, and really his entire high school career, at Guard but played Tackle as a Senior. Before the year he was a Guard all the way, but his reshaping of his body means he could be slotted at RT in the future. At this point, looks very similar to former Clemson Olineman and 49er player Brandon Thomas, but with another inch of height and length. Still needs to continue to develop his pass sets and would like to see better use of his hands at times.

Quality pickup who could see early playing time in the two deep depending on his position and continued development.