Shakin The Southland - 2017 Clemson National Signing Day CentralOrange And White Without The Goggleshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52538/shakin_fav.png2017-02-02T15:10:01-05:00http://www.shakinthesouthland.com/rss/stream/142332612017-02-02T15:10:01-05:002017-02-02T15:10:01-05:00Quacking Tiger Joins the Pawcast
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<figcaption>Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>QT breaks down Clemson’s 2017 recruiting class with a sneak peak to 2018</p> <p id="ErBre3">National Signing Day for Clemson was devoid of drama and you won’t see this 2017 class on many top 10 rankings lists. That doesn’t tell the whole story, though. This is an exceptional class. The Tigers welcome an assortment of blue chippers that fit what Clemson wants to do on the field, and add to the culture that Dabo is fostering off of it. </p>
<p id="zBUtDU">The one and only, Quacking Tiger, joins the Pawcast to discuss each member of the 2017 class while looking ahead to Clemson’s recruiting positioning for 2018. Enjoy! </p>
<p id="JVUxAk"><strong>Time Marks:</strong></p>
<p id="8r8jtt">1:50 - Reflecting on the National Championship</p>
<p id="fLqD50">8:32 - Overview of the 2017 class</p>
<p id="SrlV1o">15:04 - Wide Receivers: Tee Higgins and Amari Rodgers</p>
<p id="OQu5FG">22:15 - Quarterbacks: Hunter Johnson and Chase Brice</p>
<p id="7kPK78">29:00 - Running Back: Travis Etienne</p>
<p id="ezVtvs">35:02 - Offensive Line: Matt Bockhorst, Noah DeHond, and Blake Vinson</p>
<p id="eYsq75">41:00 - Defensive End: Jordan Williams</p>
<p id="FAsSij">46:15 - The Hybrids: Logan Rudolph and Justin Foster</p>
<p id="C3JHXe">51:40 - Cornerbacks: AJ Terrell and LeAnthony Williams</p>
<p id="lboMub">1:01:20 - Linebacker: Baylon Spector</p>
<p id="kMJP5t">1:04:30 - Looking ahead to 2018: Dabo Land and 5 stars </p>
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https://www.shakinthesouthland.com/2017/2/2/14487106/quacking-tiger-joins-the-pawcastCody Fowler2017-02-01T15:05:01-05:002017-02-01T15:05:01-05:002017 National Signing Day: Clemson Early Enrollee Logan Rudolph
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<figcaption>Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="w3Ev1w">The man with possibly the best commitment video this year, DE Logan Rudolph is one of Clemson’s 4 early enrollees this year. The South Carolina native comes from Rock Hill and is currently listed at 6’3” and 228 lbs. His primary recruiter has been Brent Venables and he had offers from Kentucky and UNC among other schools. He’s one of the 5 best players to come out of the state this year and while there has been some consternation about Clemson’s focus on out of state athletes in 2017, it is good to see some local talent arriving. The 247 Composite considers him to be a 4 star.</p>
<p id="38dxp0">During the recruiting process Rudolph seems likely to be a weakside DE, though there has been talk among the recruiting services that he fits more as an LB. Assuming he adds a little bit of weight he’s likely going to remain as a DE. While some may say he’s too light, my guess is the staff will try and fit him into a Vic Beasley type role, assuming he puts it all together.</p>
<h3 id="Jk4FXM"><strong>QT’s Take:</strong></h3>
<p id="keKrA6">Clemson sees Logan Rudolph as a LB and that is where he will start his career. The catch is that he will be a hybrid LB/DE and probably play mostly as a standup DE like Beasley or Yeargin. With Foster and Rudolph playing a similar type of position we may try to expand this role in the defense. The ability to have a DE who can standup and drop into coverage, and not be a total liability in space, gives the defensive coordinator a lot of options. Rudolph gives you some scheme versatility. We have enough numbers and talent currently at LB, but not much depth at DE. Rudolph also played decently as a Tight End some in high school, but will be a DE/LB in college. </p>
<p id="Q65PJv">The question for Rudolph will be how well he takes to the weight he will need to put on. He still needs to pack on 15-20 pounds of muscle and fill out his lower body further. Right now he has good short range quickness and agility to play in space, but he will need to maintain that with the additional pounds. </p>
<p id="ttxN7t">Logan played with his hand on the ground as a traditional 4-3 defender in high school so he knows how to rush the passer. He will need to work on being able to set the edge in college and not get reached. He doesn’t have the longest of arms like some of the freak DE’s we’ve been able to bring in, but when Rudolph gets to the QB or ball carrier—he knows what to do. Vicious hitter who wraps up well. Motor. Motor. Motor. I think he is appropriately ranked as a low 4* player, but a guy with the work ethic and drive to beat that ranking. </p>
https://www.shakinthesouthland.com/2017/2/1/14397042/2017-national-signing-day-clemson-early-enrollee-logan-rudolphBrian_GoodisonQuackingTiger2017-02-01T13:05:01-05:002017-02-01T13:05:01-05:002017 National Signing Day: Clemson Early Enrollee Blake Vinson
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<p id="o8hqIS">The OL is one of the most important parts of recruiting. We’ve always hammered away at the importance of having at least 3-4 OL commits each year. Thankfully in 2017 Clemson also has an early enrollee on the line in Blake Vinson. The Citra, FL, native comes in at 6’5” and weighs 280lbs. He’s projected to be a tackle at this point and he was primarily recruited by Jeff Scott. Vinson had offers from a variety of southern programs and was thought of as a Florida lock until Clemson earned his commitment. </p>
<p id="NI5LrL">Because of the previous years of recruiting Vinson is not going to be expected to play this year, but with an entire spring to put on weight and learn how the OL plays, he could possibly earn some playing time, especially if Clemson’s OL continues to under perform like it did in 2017.</p>
<h3 id="KvDd3l"><strong>QT’s Take:</strong></h3>
<p id="9A2zNU">Projecting Offensive Lineman is a tough job. This may sound overly harsh, but I think we moved a bit early on Vinson and could have targeted some better pure Tackle prospects with this take. Our top two choices were Trey Smith, committed to UT, and Andrew Thomas, committed to UGA, as oversign targets (both really good early evals, especially Thomas who was way underrated throughout most of the process). </p>
<p id="bbbd2J">Blake does have a big frame and room to add additional weight and strength so everything below is where he is right now, based primarily on his junior year in high school. My giant caveat is that Vinson was injured his senior year, so it is really hard to get a read on where he is right now. Vinson will need to improve his upper body strength and pad level. He needs to get better push and fire off the ball, at times he gets off balance too easily. He is better at pass blocking at this point, but I worry about Vinson’s foot speed at times and his ability to stick at Tackle. He needs a redshirt year and is a developmental prospect at this point. High 3* rating is appropriate. </p>
https://www.shakinthesouthland.com/2017/2/1/14397194/2017-national-signing-day-clemson-early-enrollee-blake-vinsonBrian_GoodisonQuackingTiger2017-02-01T11:35:01-05:002017-02-01T11:35:01-05:002017 National Signing Day: Clemson Signs AJ Terrell to Letter of Intent
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<p id="JJK3ff">Clemson has brought in a potential replacement for Cordrea Tankersley with the announcement that AJ Terrell has signed his Letter of Intent. From Westlake, GA, Terrell is listed at 6’2” and weighs 180 lbs. He’s considered a 4 star recruit by the 247 Composite though his ranking has varied among the recruiting services with some considering him a 5 star talent. His primary recruiter is Mike Reed. The main competition for Clemson with Terrell was Florida, though South Carolina did get a courtesy look because of their coaching staff.</p>
<p id="qtHKkf">Looking at Terrell’s play, there has been a lot of comparison to former FSU man Jalen Ramsey. Because of his size he could play CB or S, but with Clemson’s current roster he seems likely to start at corner. With his speed and athleticism he should stick there. Because of his talent as well as Clemson’s current CB roster, it is possible Terrell sees the field early and often, but as always we will have to see what he looks like in Fall Camp.</p>
<h3 id="SPMzje">QT’s Take</h3>
<p id="Kg8ToB">Terrell is the gem of the defensive class. He has the length and athleticism to play multiple positions and is the most likely early contributor for Clemson on defense next season. Very unlikely that he will redshirt. Clemson will need tall corners.</p>
<p id="MTZGga">AJ is what you crave in modern college football, and football at any level. His size means you can jam at the line with press coverage and come up to defend the run. He gives Brent Venables scheme versatility. AJ is a smooth athlete and will need to keep refining his technique, but he is a hard worker. At Westlake he carried his team and played both sides of the ball. An absolute steal on the recruiting trail, wasn’t seriously considering Clemson, but we were able to get him on campus and he quickly turned to Clemson. He is the composite number 55 player overall, but I agree with the services that have him higher as a 5*. </p>
https://www.shakinthesouthland.com/2017/2/1/14437990/2017-national-signing-day-clemson-signs-aj-terrell-to-letter-of-intentBrian_GoodisonQuackingTiger2017-02-01T11:05:01-05:002017-02-01T11:05:01-05:002017 National Signing Day: Clemson Signs Travis Etienne to LOI
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<figcaption>Student Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="r6CfoN">Clemson’s most recent commit, RB Travis Etienne was a critical get out of Louisiana. Etienne is listed as 5’11 210 and has a 4.43 40 time. Ideally he fills the big bruiser back role that Clemson is going to lack with the departure of Wayne Gallman. Clemson came to Etienne late when it became apparent there would be a scholarship available because of the transfer of Tyshon Dye. Despite this, Clemson was able to secure his commitment after only 2 weeks. The Tigers beat out LSU for his services, though Tennessee was also in the running originally.</p>
<p id="gdzTzl">This was a critical signing because of numbers. Obviously Etienne has talent, but without him Clemson would only have 3 RBs plus a talented walk on in Darien Rencher. That’s a problem at RB where injuries can accumulate quickly.</p>
<p id="cfu1ws">As for Etienne, he gives you a mixture of the two common types of RB. He is big enough to eventually run between the tackles but has enough speed to be a threat outside. Wayne Gallman is what you hope Etienne eventually becomes and he is an easy comparison. Both needed to learn how to run in a spread offense and run between the tackles. Etienne’s high school offense gets him running to the perimeter more than between the tackles. Etienne also runs a bit upright like Gallman. </p>
<h3 id="p6104Q"><strong>QT’s Take:</strong></h3>
<p id="BpNkrF">This was such an important get for Clemson late in the process. Clemson couldn’t afford to not get a quality back and go three years with only taking one RB. Etienne is a quality pickup this late in the process. If LSU wants a prospect from the state of Louisiana, well, I don’t care where that prospect is ranked. If there were another round or cycle of recruiting list adjustments then Etienne would have gotten a sizable bump. Don’t forget that Bama also had interest in Etienne if they missed on Najee Harris. There is a lot of like about the prospect to like. </p>
<p id="F7VuS7">Coming out of a Wing-T offense Etienne will need to work on being a complete back—blocking, running routes, and developing vision as a runner. He will need to run with a bit more lean, falling forward and breaking tackles. There will be an acclimation period for the recruit, but he has a lot of plus tools. He has the athleticism, size and speed you want at the position. </p>
https://www.shakinthesouthland.com/2017/2/1/14412114/2017-national-signing-day-clemson-signs-travis-etienne-to-loiBrian_GoodisonQuackingTiger2017-02-01T10:35:01-05:002017-02-01T10:35:01-05:002017 National Signing Day: Clemson Signs LeAnthony Williams Jr. to Letter of Intent
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<figcaption>Dawson Powers-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="iyxN8h">Once again Clemson is bringing a Roswell, GA, player to Clemson. This time it is a CB with LeAnthony Williams Jr. signing his LOI today. The CB is 6’0” and weighs in at 170 lbs. With a little work in the weight room he’ll be in excellent shape for his freshman season.</p>
<p id="IitJkS">Williams is considered a 4 star by the 247 Composite and he’s been moving up the recruiting rankings over the past year. He committed to Clemson last February and he’s been solid ever since. He was recruited by Brent Venables and Mike Reed with the main competition coming from UGA.</p>
<p id="q8fXMr">Assuming Williams takes to understanding the position at the college level, he should play as a freshman. The uncertainty at the position for the Tigers along with Williams’ physicality and knowledge of how to play CB means we should see him on the field. The coaching moves on the defensive side may accelerate this as well. Coach Reed will have more time to spend working with the corners and Williams will hopefully benefit.</p>
<h3 id="sWHel3"><strong>QT’s Take:</strong></h3>
<p id="hV7GUK">Williams continues the very important, newly developed pipeline from Roswell, GA to Clemson. Williams gives two good corners in this class at a position that needs some talent upgrade more than any other on the defense. Criminally underrated in the composite ranking at 205. Definitely a top 150 player, if not fringe top 100. He will outplay that 205 number when it is all said and done.</p>
<p id="zogTn3">Williams has good size at 6’0 and has proven himself against top competition in the state of Georgia. Williams still needs to keep refining some technique, things like body positioning, back peddle and flexibility, he has all the tools. Whether he redshirts or not depends on how well he can show in camp and how well other corners ahead of him perform. Quality addition who also committed early and never wavered, sporting his orange cleats and socks at Roswell. </p>
https://www.shakinthesouthland.com/2017/2/1/14412292/2017-national-signing-day-clemson-signs-leanthony-williams-jr-to-letter-of-intentBrian_Goodison2017-02-01T10:35:01-05:002017-02-01T10:35:01-05:002017 National Signing Day: Clemson Signs Matt Bockhorst to LOI
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<p id="jCzJue">One of three OL commits in the 2017 class, Matt Bockhorst signed his letter of intent with Clemson today. The 6’4” 295 lbs. Bockhorst projects as a guard for Clemson. He is considered a 4 star by the 247 Composite and he comes from a well known Notre Dame pipeline, St. Xavier HS in Cincinnatti, OH. It was a real surprise that Bockhorst was not really recruited by Notre Dame and maybe even more surprising that we pried him from the many blue blood programs closer to him.</p>
<p id="7hDmlh">Bockhorst has a real mean streak in him, perfect for an OL, and normally he’d be a candidate for playing time early. Unfortunately Bockhorst suffered an ACL tear last summer and depending on his rehab and how the rest of the OL performs he could redshirt. Even if he’s completely healthy it may be worth him redshirting for a year if the he doesn’t provide an upgrade over any of the current lineman.</p>
<p id="kIaOhW">A few thoughts from our resident OL expert, MetalTiger:</p>
<p id="7m6xas">Bockhorst played tackle for his team in high school primarily but will slide inside at Clemson. He projects as a mauler at guard and has some plus athleticism for pulls. He is a likely candidate for a redshirt solely due to depth at guard but also to give him time to regain strength and confidence in his knee post an ACL injury prior to his senior year.</p>
<p id="MG7VTP">QT’s Take:</p>
<p id="DkqGNw">I am very high on Bockhorst. Ohio State didn’t move on him because they needed/wanted tackles in this class. Bockhorst’s ranking at 244 in the composite is laughable. If he hadn’t torn his ACL he would be a top 150 player. If there was an underrated gem in this class I would pick Bockhorst. He will need to move inside and play guard at the college level, but he has good enough feet to pull and do the things athletically we want our guards to do. It is all about how quickly he can get back from the injury. Likely to redshirt but I think he will surprise some people by being on the bubble. </p>
<p id="IgnUS5">He plays with an edge and finishes blocks, plays through the whistle. Comes from a good program in St. Xavier where he was a leader on the team and big personality (he will definitely be the new Jay Guillermo type personality, he loves to joke around and have a good time). Great addition who comes to Clemson with a chip on his shoulder. </p>
https://www.shakinthesouthland.com/2017/2/1/14412196/2017-national-signing-day-clemson-signs-matt-bockhorst-to-loiBrian_GoodisonQuackingTiger2017-02-01T10:05:01-05:002017-02-01T10:05:01-05:002017 National Signing Day: Clemson Signs Chase Brice to Letter of Intent
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<p id="AoAhtb">Loganville, Georgia quarterback prospect Chase Brice has officially signed his National Letter of Intent with Clemson and will enroll with Clemson over the Summer. With Kelly Bryant, Tucker Israel, and Zerrick Cooper returning from last year’s squad along with the early enrollment of 5* quarterback prospect Hunter Johnson in January, Brice will be expected to redshirt the 2017 season. Brice was a long time target of the coaching staff to be a quarterback take for the 2017 class. It was a bit of pleasant surprise to see Brice commit to the Tigers a day after the coaching staff managed to flip 5* Hunter Johnson from Tennessee. Clemson’s primary competition for Brice’s services was Michigan State. </p>
<p id="QSmbzR">At 6’3”, 205 pounds, Brice fits the right size mold for a quarterback and has a strong arm that will serve him well whenever he is called upon to lead the Tigers offense. Brice has ties to the program as his uncle, Mickey Conn, was hired by Dabo last year to serve as Senior Defensive Analyst. Dabo promoted Conn to be safeties coach and fill one of the two coaching staff holes created by Dan Brooks’ retirements and Marion Hobby’s departure to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Conn was a teammate of Dabo’s at Alabama in the 1990’s and started the Grayson High School football program in Georgia and coached a number of current and former Clemson players including Wayne Gallman, Nick Schuessler, and Ryan Carter.</p>
<p id="GItpNL">With the abundance of talent at the quarterback position at Clemson and the expected arrival of the number 1 overall player for the 2018 class Trevor Lawrence, Brice will not have an easy time finding significant playing time down the road but Brice has made it clear he is not afraid of competition. </p>
<h3 id="QlgL01">QT’s Take:</h3>
<p id="le6jBJ">One of the two QB’s will redshirt and since Hunter Johnson is already on campus for the Spring and Summer, Brice will undoubtedly redshirt. That doesn’t mean that Chase isn’t a quality QB. In fact, Brice has improved tremendously during his senior year. In my book he moved from a low 4* prospect to a high 4* prospect this past year. He got into better shape after the Summer where he still had some baby fat. This led to a bit better mobility in the pocket and the open field at Grayson. He improved his arm strength and his mechanics became more consistent. </p>
<p id="RZIftq">Brice is an amazing second QB pickup. You just don’t normally stockpile this much talent at the quarterback position. Chase still has a lot of work to do as he adjusts to the college level. He had a great supporting cast at Grayson, with an excellent offensive line. Grayson runs a lot of effective play-action so Brice had a lot of easy deep throws behind that offensive line. The route concepts aren’t all the intricate either at Grayson but Chase still showed good deep ball accuracy. He also improved his decision making. His junior year he could get caught making some bad throws with poor mechanics at times. Those throws off his back foot have been cleaned up a bunch in his Senior year. </p>
<p id="IpYMar">He won’t have the time to acclimate to the level of competition come the Fall but look for Chase to provide solid back-up during his career at Clemson. Clemson’s QBs have stayed relatively healthy the past 5 years, we’ve been spoiled, but having a quality back-up can make or break your season. Does any school in the class of 2017 have a stronger second take than Clemson? Does anyone have a stronger QB class? I don’t think so. </p>
https://www.shakinthesouthland.com/2017/2/1/14437910/2017-national-signing-day-clemson-signs-chase-brice-to-letter-of-intentBrian_Goodison