#1 Overall Recruit Bryan Bresee Commits to Clemson

Clemson secured a verbal commitment from 5-star defensive lineman Bryan Bresee today. Bresee will come to Clemson from Damascus, Maryland (Damascus) and is 6-5, 290 pounds. He is the #1 defensive tackle in the 2020 class per the 247Sports Composite and the #1 player overall. Bresee chose Clemson over essentially every team in the country. The primary competition was Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Penn State and Michigan. The Tigers took the lead in his recruitment following his visit to the South Carolina game in 2018, strengthened their position during Elite Junior Day in January, and secured his commitment following an outstanding trip to the Spring Game. He is Venables’ prototypical war-daddy.

Todd Bates led Bresee’s recruitment with an expected assist from Brent Venables. Bates’ adds to the list of impressive recruits he has landed and has a chance at being the top overall recruiter in the nation for the class of 2020 per 247Sports. He has landed Bresee, Demonte Capehart, Tre Williams, Sergio Allen, and Kevin Swint already this cycle. He is also Clemson’s lead recruiter for Jordan Burch. Bates continues to shine and add incredible value to the football program.

Bresee is the first composite five-star commitment in Clemson’s newly #1 ranked 2020 class and the 12th commitment overall. He has verified measurables of a 5.24 40 yard dash, a 4.21 (!!) shuttle, and a 31 inch vertical leap. His shuttle time would have been second overall among prospects at this years NFL combine, behind only Nick Bosa and faster than Christian Wilkins’ 4.55. His frame suggests he will grow into an interior lineman but could also slide to strongside defensive end due to his quickness and otherworldly first step. He also shows the advanced technique with his hands you would expect from a #1 overall player. His athleticism is illustrated by his abilities on the basketball court, where he excels as a two-sport star. Tommy K made the perfect comparison in the comments section of another post - likening him to Christian Wilkins. It’s true, he possesses the same level of athleticism and God-given talent. He should be able to immediately crack the 2-deep on the 2020 depth chart.

Clemson will continue pursuing defensive ends Myles Murphy and Jordan Burch to complete the defensive line haul for the 2020 class.

It should be noted that Bresee and D.J. Uiagalelei formed a bond during their visit for the South Carolina game. Bresee’s commitment should further improve the Tiger’s chances of landing the top QB in the class. If landing the #1 offensive and defensive recruit in the same class sounds familiar, it’s because you’re a Clemson fan. This happened with Trevor Lawrence and Xavier Thomas in 2018. That has turned out pretty well so far.

You can watch his highlights below

QT’s Take:

I’ve made it known that Bresee was my man crush for this cycle on defense. Yeah, I am happy. Clemson beat out everyone in the nation for Bresee. Georgia, Alabama, Ohio State, and Penn State—everybody.

This is an absolute coup. Bresee is a plug and play WAR DADDY. Any question about defensive line and defensive tackle depth is answered with Bresee. He immediately upgrades the talent along the defensive line. This is the composite number one overall player for a reason.

Yes, he can play strongside defensive end. His primary area is going to be at the 3-tech, 4i and 5-tech and eventually he will likely settle in at 3-tech, but he can play the 7 or even the 9 if needed. He will give Clemson the versatility of a guy like Christian Wilkins, but whereas Wilkins used quickness at his size, Bryan is much longer and more violent than Wilkins at this stage. VIOLENT. I mean that in the best way possible. He uses speed and power with his wide body.

His first step off the line for a guy his size is elite and that is at end or tackle. Active use of hands to shed offensive lineman and an expanding arsenal of pass rush moves. At this point he primarily uses brutal power, but displays a surprising burst and short space quickness. He doesn’t have elite long speed, but is quick in a phone booth and has a long wingspan. Once he gets his big hands on you he can be a punishing tackler. Embraces contact.

I still like my earlier JJ Watt comparison. In high school he plays defensive tackle, defensive end and even stands up on occasion. He is country strong and will continue to shape his body in a college weight room. Athleticism at a legit 6’5. The only question is transitioning into a higher level of competition where you are challenged on every down. Maryland isn’t totally weak competition though by any stretch, but it isn’t Georgia, Florida, or Texas either. I don’t think it will be a problem.

Feels good.