Recruiting Update: Clemson to Host 2nd Junior Day of the Year

The good news stemming from Clemson recruiting over the last few weeks has almost been non-stop. A second CFP trophy, in addition to what Clemson already had to offer is attracting names from all over the country in every class. Over the past week, Clemson has hosted multiple visitors from California, hosted a rising star in the 2021 class, and is gearing up for what should be another successful Junior Day this Spring.

2021 TE visits Clemson

It is very rare that I dedicate an entire section of an article to a prospect who doesn’t sign for nearly 2 more years, however, I am incredibly bullish on currently unranked TE prospect Cane Berrong. Hailing from a part of Georgia just 30 minutes from Clemson, Berrong has picked up offers from nearly every national power since his Sophomore season this past Fall. From film-study, it’s pretty easy to see why that is. Berrong is not only going to be a stud prospect, but I genuinely think that there’s a chance he is the best TE prospect in his entire class.

It’s early, so of course more prospects can emerge, but what Berrong already has on tape, combined with his “plus” athletic traits put him on the fast track to being one of the best, if not the best at his position for the 2021 cycle. Berrong visited Clemson earlier this week, and Clemson 24/7 insider Anna Hickey has since put in a Crystal Ball prediction in favor of the Tigers. The currently wide-open TE depth chart coupled with his schematic fit have to have resonated strongly with the Peach state product.

2020 Blue-chips visit from California

The pull of Clemson has now become so strong that attracting prospects from the Golden State is nowhere near as difficult as it used to be. This was evidenced twice in as many weeks, as the Tigers had not 1, but 2 prospects from California on campus in the past week. The first of which came briefly this past weekend in the form of 5-star LB Justin Flowe. Last week, I made my affinity for Flowe known when I called him the best LB prospect since Reuben Foster. That is not hyperbolic in the slightest, just watch these highlights and try to disagree.

Flowe finally got the chance to visit Clemson on Saturday, however, it was only for a few hours. He was able to build his relationship with Venables further, and the Tigers look like a lock to receive one of his Official visits in the Fall. UGA also registered a strong impression, however, the Dawgs chances of receiving an Official visit likely depend on whether or not Flowe decides to use Official Visits on the local Southern California schools.

Additionally, a 4-star Corner from California powerhouse Mater Dei visited Clemson earlier this week. Current Oklahoma commit, Darion Green-Warren arrived on campus yesterday.

Landing Green-Warren would give Clemson not only a blue-chip player at the corner spot, but it could also position the Tigers to make a run at the top Corner in the country, Elias Ricks, who is from the same high school. Ricks is an LSU commit at the moment, but there is a long way to go before both Mater Dei studs sign.

2nd Junior Day Preview

This weekend marks Clemson’s 2nd Junior Day, and while this weekend’s list is smaller and less star-studded than the first, that doesn’t mean there aren’t important prospects that will be on campus. The total number of recruits will be in double digits, however, this section will discuss the key ones to watch. Firstly, 2 of Clemson’s major WR targets return in 4-stars Xzavier Henderson, and EJ Williams. Both should be considered on commit watch as WR spots in this class will be at a premium. Williams in particular is making what seems like his 3rd or 4th visit to campus just this Spring, and even posted this cryptic tweet earlier this morning.

The #1 WR in 2020, 5-star Julian Fleming may also make an appearance, however, Fleming has given nothing this week to confirm nor deny that fact. This one may not get interesting until Clemson nabs its QB commitment for the class, but one also gets the feeling if Fleming does not visit Clemson before the season starts it will be nearly impossible to pull the talented prospect from Penn State. Jeff Scott can make miracles happen, but not if a prospect can’t get on campus.

Top Offensive Tackle target Mitchell Mayes will also be back on campus. Clemson registered a notable impression during its 1st Junior Day, however, Mayes is an in-demand prospect and thus his recruitment will be hotly-contested. Mayes had an extremely enjoyable visit to UGA, and they will likely end up presenting the stiffest challenge outside of the Carolinas for the versatile line prospect. Junior Day gives the Tigers another shot to woo the massive recruit, and undo any momentum UGA generated on their visit.

Getting 4-star OL commitment Paul Tchio back on campus is big too. While he’s not wavering in his pledge in any way, Tchio has picked up some huge offers since the beginning of the Spring. Getting your commits back on campus is always a good thing, however, getting your commits on campus after they’ve received some major offers from the SEC and the like can prove to be crucial.

As for targets that are less familiar, 4-star Corner Ethan Pouncey is probably the biggest name visiting that most Clemson fans have heard little about. The brother of current NFL lineman Mike and Maurkice Pouncey, Ethan is considerably smaller. But Pouncey just put together a more impressive season than maybe any other DB in Florida this past year. With 21 pass break-ups, 8 interceptions, and 3 pick-sixes in a single season, it’s obvious that the youngest Pouncey is a baller in his own right. 24/7 Sports recently rated him as the #8 Corner in the country, and in my eyes that’s a fair rating. It will be interesting to see if Clemson makes a move this weekend, as his recruitment is still very open.

Meanwhile, arguably the most notable visitor on campus this weekend will be 4-star RJ Mickens. The Tigers have been recruiting Mickens longer and harder than not only any of its other DB targets, but also than any of Mickens’ other suitors. In the long run, there’s a good chance that this persistence will pay off. This Junior Day visit gives Mickens yet another opportunity to see Clemson and bond with the staff, but will it be enough for the Tigers to land their first ever blue-chip prospect out of Texas? Clemson insider Anna Hickey forecasted RJ Mickens to Clemson earlier today, although I don’t expect a commitment to occur this weekend. The first Junior Day brought returns that have many dreaming about the class’ potential, and now the second will attempt to build upon that. I would not be at all surprised to see some fireworks this weekend; a further continuance of the massive recruiting momentum Clemson is slowly building over the course of the Spring.