Clemson Recruiting Update: Reviewing an uneventful Signing Day and what to expect next

National Signing Day Round-up

It was an uneventful signing period for Clemson, however, that’s largely because at the turn of the new year Clemson’s staff decided to do 2 things. First, they decided to use extra spots in 2019 for the 2020 class, and second, they decided not take anyone else unless they played running back. In between the 2 signing periods, Clemson took just one commitment in the form of 3-star in-state RB Mikey Dukes. Dukes plays very weak competition, but you are still able to see the high-quality athleticism, as well as a skillset that clearly fits what Clemson does on offense.

Taking Dukes ended up being crucial from a numbers standpoint at the RB position, as long-time target Jerrion Ealy ultimately opted for the home-state Ole Miss Rebels on signing day. Clemson led for Ealy’s services for months, however, down the stretch it seems distance ultimately won out. Ealy is one of the best running backs in the class, so from that standpoint, this was a disappointing miss for the Tigers. What takes the sting out of the commitment is that Ealy probably won’t even play college football. The Mississippi prospect will likely go in the 1st round of the MLB Draft this Summer and his college decision gives a good indication about which sport he’ll likely choose. Clemson ends the 2019 cycle with a guaranteed 5 backs on the roster, but will probably look to take 2 more in 2020 given that Etienne and Feaster are both surely gone next season.

Big-time Crystal Ball Predictions

Earlier this week, a major Clemson target and the #1 overall player in the country, Bryan Bresee received not 1, not 2, but 3 (!) 24/7 Crystal Ball predictions for the him to end up in Death Valley. The predictions were put in not just by 2 Clemson insiders, but also by 24/7’s National Director of Recruiting Steve Wiltfong. These come after a Junior Day where Clemson made a significant impression on the Maryland product, an impression big enough to apparently make them the stand-alone leader at this time. While it’s important to remember that a Crystal Ball prediction is not the final word on a commit who is far away from a decision, it gives a telling idea of where the recruitment currently stands. I can’t reiterate enough how big of a talent along the DL Bresee would be for Clemson if they were to land him. There is a reason he is drawing comparisons to Houston Texan JJ Watt.

In addition to Bresee, Floridian 4-star Corner Fred Davis also received a Crystal Ball from Wiltfong to end up at Clemson. I believe Davis to be a 5-star caliber player at the corner position, and think that recruiting services will soon pick up on this (some already have). Just like Bresee, Davis’ prediction comes after that incredible Junior Day Clemson hosted in late January. It appears that there could be a 5-star congregation beginning to form in Clemson...

What to look forward to this Spring

If the Junior Day was any indication, there are going to be a lot of high-profile visitors on campus throughout this spring. Among the visitors considering a trip is 5-star California LB Justin Flowe. Flowe is currently the 2nd best player in the entire class, and it would be difficult to find another HS LB prospect that was this good since Reuben Foster. Getting Flowe on campus for an unofficial over the next few months would be massive for Clemson’s prospective chances considering Flowe already wants to give Clemson one of his 5 official visits in the Fall.

One of the dates where Flowe could end up making it in is for the Spring game. Despite still being 2 months out, the visitor list already appears to be loaded. Both 5-star QB DJ Uiagalelei, and 5-star DL Bryan Bresee will make another visit to Death Valley, and it seems increasingly likely that the former does not leave town uncommitted. In addition to those 2 visitors, top targets 5-star WR Rakim Jarrett out of DC, 4-star OT Mitchell Mayes from NC, and 4-star CB Henry Gray have also stated they will be returning to campus for that game.

Just like the Junior Day last month, the Spring game will have a loaded visitor list full of multiple 5-star prospects. However, there is also a 2nd Junior Day to look forward in March where the visitor lists could even be equally impressive to the 1st. There are going to be more high-profile recruits visiting Clemson this spring than likely any spring before this, and that bodes seriously well for the Tigers’ class. Bottom line: buckle up because even though 2019 is over, the wheels on 2020 haven’t even really starting turning yet.