Stellar prospect back in Clemson today!

Stud OL recruit Will Lawrence is scheduled to be at Coach Dabo Swinney Camp today, per multiple reports. Folks you will be hard pressed to find a more humble and polite kid. Lawrence has the grades, the skill, and is a devout Christian. He plays like a man among boys except he's usually the youngest one on the field. He started for his varsity team as an 8th grader. Needless to say I'm really big on him. Check out some of the high praise he's received below-

OL Will Lawrence 6-4 280 Memphis, TN Harding Academy of Memphis

Could be the top OL prospect in the 2018 class and his talents cannot be reiterated enough. Named a CBS All-American and a MaxPreps All-American. Remarkably, Lawrence started 11 games for his team as an 8th grader. For his efforts last season he was also named 2nd team All-District . Robbie Caldwell is his main recruiter and the two have built a close relationship consisting of frequent phone calls. From a previous visit to Clemson, had the following to say, "I liked the coaches, the facilities, everything. It was a great visit." Already has over 28 offers including Clemson, Bama, Aub, Okla, OhSt, Ore, and many others. Though he has no favorite, Lawrence did mention that Clemson, Auburn, Texas, Bama, and UGA are after him the hardest. Both his father and his uncle played D1 football. He's an excellent kid with a "yes sir/no sir" mentality. He actively participates in a shoe drive which provides apparel for orphans in countries such as Russia. For highlights- http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3052412/will-lawrence

Could Clemson be the right fit- "I'm look for a family environment, a Christian environment and then after that I look at the coaches and everything boils down."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Up_llq-Meck

A great read to put his talent in perspective- At an age when most 13-year olds are worried about the onset of acne, updating their Facebook profile, and savoring the opening days of 8th grade, Will Lawrence is starting at left tackle for one of the nation’s most prestigious private high schools.

The 6’3?, 250-pound Lawrence has more than held his own in the first two games for The Harding Academy (Memphis, TN), piling up six pancake blocks, allowing no sacks, and opening the eyes of his coaches.

“Will Lawrence is a once-in-a-lifetime prospect. One of those kids you pray comes along. A highly-coachable player who can’t wait to be come in every day and is so eager to be successful,” The Harding Academy’s offensive line coach Justin Banker gushed.

“We are extremely excited about Will’s future. He is so far along in his development and fundamentals. Starting an 8th grader is uncharted territory. But Will has that rare maturity and technique to handle it,” Banker continued.

The experts at Youth1 certainly agree. Last week, the online publication on youth sports rated Will Lawrence its highest-ranked lineman in the Class of 2018 and the #9 overall talent in its popular Elite 101 listing.

Scouts take- “Will Lawrence is as fundamentally sound an offensive lineman as I’ve seen in five years of scouting and reporting on youth football. Often at this level, offensive linemen have significant baby fat and get away by just leaning on their opponents. Will, however, is in great shape and is already practicing the technique to make him the cornerstone of offensive lines for years to come if he keeps developing on the field and in the classroom,” declared Youth1 editor Alan Popadines.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glD2jzs5jy4

High praise- “Will Lawrence consistently has great reads and demonstrates great technique. That technique, even against bigger, older opponents, is Will’s greatest attribute. His reach and quick feet coupled with that size is a lethal combination for a young lineman.” Erik Richards, FBU’s Executive Director

They can't say enough about this guy- “We’ve had a lot of amazing prospects come through since 1980, including Bo Jackson. But as far as young linemen go, Will Lawrence has as amazing a skill set package as I’ve ever seen in an 8th grader. Mentally and technique-wise, he is already as good as any junior or senior. When his strength catches up as his body fills out, it’s over. I have no doubt Will will be the top high school lineman in the nation.” Matthew Joseph, Director of The National Scouting Report

Very humble prospect from a great family- “My parents adopted my little brother Thomas (7) from China. He has cerebral palsy and autism. His nutrition comes from a feeding tube. I love him very much and he brings tremendous joy to my family and me. Thomas doesn’t walk very well and will never play football. I realize the physical gifts God gave to me. I don’t take them for granted,” Will Lawrence emphasized.

After reading all that I'm sure you understand why he's one of my favorites. I would love to see him in Orange! Could you imagine if we're fortunate enough in the 2018 class to land state prospects such as QB Dakereon Joyner, RB Mataeo Durant, ATH E.J. Humphrey, DE Xavier Thomas, DE Stephon Wynn Jr, DL Josh Belk, LB Khalid Jones, and LB Jake Venables. I'll provide a brief bio for these guys in the below thread. Have a great day and...

GO TIGERS!!!

TigerBry83

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Those 2018 Palmetto state prospects I mentioned.....

Jun 10, 2015, 8:04 AM

QB Ben Batson 6-0 172 Central, SC D.W. Daniel HS

Runs a 4.7 40,225 bench, and 300 squat per HUDL.com. Was at 2015 CDS Camp. Recently attended the Orange and White game. Trains with QB specialist Ramon Robinson. "While he hasn't had any contact from colleges yet, Batson has a few schools already on his list of places he'd like to play, including Auburn University and the University of Georgia. Although, if he could play anywhere in the country, Batson said he'd pick Clemson University." Film- http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3395622/ben-batson

QB Dakereon Joyner 6'1 175 North Charleston, SC Fort Dorchester HS

Led his team to an 11-3 record. Earned a share of the conference title. Reports say he runs a 4.54 40 time. Attended 2015 CDS Camp and has been to Clemson a number of times. Is a 2014 MaxPreps Freshman All American. Currently holds offers from UNC, UGA, and scar, who offered him before he ever took a varsity snap. Wears the number 5 because he lost his father 5 years ago. All three 24/7 crystal ball projections have him going to Clemson. He visited CU for the CU vs. UNC game. Grew up a UNC fan but has said he's backed off of them. I believe he visited for the CU vs scar beat down. Food for thought- he just turned 14 prior to the start of the season. Is a really close friend of 2016 OL prospect John Simpson.

The latest- Unofficially visited Clemson again in May with team mate John Simpson. “He offered for me to come, too, so I went up there. It was good to get that 1-on-1 time with Coach Elliott. It was pretty awesome.” Also spent time with TE coach Durrell Barry who also attended Fort Dorchester.

“I am leaning more towards Clemson. It's how close I am to the people up there and how close I am to Deshaun Watson and all of the coaches,” he said. “And Coach Swinney, he is a special coach. I would love to play for Coach Dabo Swinney. Knowing that he just signed an extension to a contract, I know he will be there for a long time and I don't have to worry about him leaving or even Tony Elliott leaving.”

2014 stats (in split time with senior Kobe Garrett): 43-92 529 yds 3 TDs, 2 INTs. Ran for 231 yds and a score. 4 receptions for 26 yds.

Film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yyrDTiQsk8

More film: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3128860/highlights/215278386/v2

Article (video of this interview is below): NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) – This week's Athlete of the Week already has a scholarship offer from South Carolina before ever playing a single down of varsity football.

Fort Dorchester has plenty of current professionals who started as Patriots, many of whom were coached by Steve Laprad.

But 14-year-old Dakereon Joyner could be better than all of them. It’s a path still untraveled for the teen.

“We've had a lot of good athletes, been fortunate. But I've never had one this mature who handles his business like this. He loves the game, loves playing, practicing. He doesn't mind working hard. The biggest thing for him is how he handles the next four years,” Laprad said.

Without ever stepping out onto the field, he’s already pulled in an offer from Steve Spurrier.

“I had just turned 14. The first thing I did was thank God, without Him I can't do anything, then I thanked my Mom and my sister,” said Joyner.

Spurrier saw what Laprad saw in Joyner.

“You get kids, we coaches call it the ‘it factor.’ Some just have it. I don't know where it comes from. He's got about six helpings of it,” Laprad said.

But the thing that pushes a boy to play like a man, a forced maturity, is the loss of his father five years ago.

The number 5 on his back is a reminder of what pushes his heart.

“It helps me, the stuff my dad did in high school. I want to do the same things. I want to accomplish his goals and beat his records,” Joyner said.

“I can tell it's a motivating factor for him. His mother makes sure he does the right things. She's tough; it's good. Very educated, great job. She's a great role model. I see it out here,” Laprad said. “He has that extra gear. If that's from his dad, wow. I think it tells you what kind of kid he is.”

On the field, he stands out because of how he carries the football. Off the field, the attention is on how he carries himself.

“Every morning, he comes in and shakes every coach's hand. Every morning. He's usually the first one on the field. That's the difference. Everybody knows how good he is, but it's the way he handles it,” Laprad said.

The young man with a plan is humbly handling his business with a smile, knowing he has a long way to go.

“I have four years to think about it. I have many ideas. I’m looking at USC, but I have four years to think about it,” Joyner said.

But first, he still has to take the field for that first Friday night under the lights.
http://www.abcnews4.com/story/26218577/athlete-of-the-week-fort-dorchesters-dakereon-joyner

Video of this interview: http://www.wset.com/Clip/10446313/athlete-of-the-week-fort-dorchester39s-dakereon-joyner

More film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFr5RsMvUYw

An article from the C&P: Fort Dorchester's Dakereon Joyner: Better than Carlos Dunlap, Robert Quinn and Byron Maxwell?

When it's all said and done, freshman quarterback Dakereon Joyner will be the best player to ever put on a pair of shoulder pads at Fort Dorchester High School. At least that's the opinion of Patriots head coach Steve LaPrad. Considering the number of talented players to pass through Fort Dorchester, that's a pretty bold statement from the coach.

Three of LaPrad's former players currently are starters on NFL teams - Cincinnati defensive lineman Carlos Dunlap, St. Louis defensive lineman Robert Quinn and Seattle defensive back Byron Maxwell. Dunlap was the MVP of Florida's win over Oklahoma in the 2009 BCS national championship game. Quinn was second in the NFL in sacks last season with 19 and signed a $65.6 million contract over the summer, and Maxwell started in the Seahawks' secondary during last year's Super Bowl run.

"Carlos, Robert and Byron were all great players, great athletes and have gone on to have great careers, but I believe that Dakereon will be the best we've ever had here," LaPrad said.

It's not just Joyner's freakish athletic ability that makes LaPrad believe in his young freshman quarterback, it's his mental approach to the game.

"Dakereon is mature beyond his years," LaPrad said. "He's a great student in the classroom and he's got a very high football IQ. He studies the game. The difference between Dakereon and those guys is his ability to process information and the way he deals with different situations.

"Every time he steps on the field, he learns something new and when he makes a mistake, he doesn't make it a second time. At 14, that's special."

LaPrad said he first noticed Joyner during an impromptu workout with middle school players two years ago. An assistant coach told LaPrad that Joyner, then 12, had just run the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds. LaPrad couldn't believe it, thinking the coach had started the stopwatch late. Joyner ran it again, this time finishing in 4.48 seconds.

"That got everyone's attention," LaPrad said. "The middle school coach said he didn't want to start Dakereon at quarterback because he wouldn't stay in the pocket. I told him I didn't want him staying in the pocket."

As an eighth-grader, Joyner skipped over the B team and played for the Patriots' junior varsity, normally reserved for ninth- and 10th-graders. He averaged nearly 200 yards of total offense a game.

"Here's an eighth-grader playing Class AAAA football at junior varsity level and in most games, he was the best player on the field," LaPrad said. Over the summer, LaPrad took Joyner to a passing camp at South Carolina. After just a handful of throws, Joyner had a scholarship offer from the Gamecocks.

"It didn't take long for South Carolina's coaching staff to realize that Dakereon was a player," LaPrad said.

Last weekend, Joyner attended the Clemson-North Carolina game and had a pre-game meal with Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris.

"I gotta believe that every school in the country will offer him before he's done," LaPrad said.

The attention doesn't seem to faze Joyner. "I don't think about it," Joyner said. "If you start to believe what everyone is telling you, then you're in trouble. Each day I just want to work hard, grind it out and get better."

Working Joyner into the Patriots' offense was a problem for the coaches early this season. Fort Dorchester already had an established quarterback in senior Kobe Garret, but LaPrad knew he had to get his talented freshman more involved in the Patriots' offense.

Joyner played most of the first five games at wide receiver, catching just four passes.

After losing to Goose Creek, 17-0, LaPrad decided it was time to put Joyner at quarterback and have Garrett become more of a running back/slot back dual threat.

"Kobe is the leader of our football team and he's our best runner," LaPrad said. "I think this makes us a better offensive team and Kobe has been great about the switch. He's going to play in college and they want him as a slot receiver, so this is a good change for him."

Joyner didn't know he was starting for the first time until just before kickoff against Wando last Friday night.

"If I had known all week I probably would have been nervous, so I'm glad they didn't tell me until that night," Joyner said.

Joyner had nearly 200 yards of total offense and threw two TD passes in the Patriots' 24-0 win over Wando.

"Wando threw a lot of different looks at him, a lot of different coverages and he handled it all really well," LaPrad said. "Don't get me wrong, there's still a whole lot of room for improvement, but for his first start he acted like a senior who'd been starting for the last four years." http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20141002/PC20/141009818

Hoops film, FWIW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THIwE36srJQ

More reads: You think smooth when watching Dakereon Joyner. He is a freshman. He is 14 years old. He is just a couple of games into his high school football career. He is good.

Joyner glides down the field and he has a burst when he gets the ball at this younf age. He has grown up playing a lot of quarterback, but will likely be recruited as a wide receiver. One school has seen enough to offer him a scholarship.

"I went to camps at South Carolina and N.C. State over the summer and one day after camping at USC, they offered me a scholarship," said Joyner. "Coach Spurrier called my coach when we were on our way to a 7-on-7 and offered me.

"After telling my coach that, I talked to Coach Spurrier and he just told me to stay humble and not to get the big head. It was exciting and I was shocked by the offer. It almost brought me to tears."

Clemson was at his school Friday afternoon, then at his game Friday night, so the Tigers have their eye on the 6-foot-1, 170 pound freshman. Alabama recently called his coach to check on him too. Joyner traveled from his home in Charleston, S.C. to Columbia Saturday to see a great game between Georgia and South Carolina. He liked what he saw.

"It was my first South Carolina game. It was exciting and I liked the way they treated me. I actually felt like I was on the team when I was in the locker room after the game. After the game, Joyner spoke with current Gamecocks Mike Davis and Dylan Thompson as well as coaches, Steve Spurrier, Jr. and Everette Sands. He has high interest in the Gamecocks.

"I like South Carolina, Clemson, and Georgia," said Joyner. "I grew up a fan of North Carolina, but my interest is not the same now as it was in them.

"I like the three schools that I like right now because they are close to home. I do not want to go far to college."

The early offer from the Gamecocks is Joyner's first, but it will not be his last. Schools are already attracted to the 14-year old playmaker.

"It is my style of play [that schools like]. I am a very cool player, I set the tone, and I am team player. I also make guys miss and out-smart linebackers and defensive backs when I have the ball in my hands." http://recruiting.scout.com/story/1451036-dakereon-joyner-s-a-name-to-know

Article on still grasping the game: ...Joyner, who took over as the Patriots starting quarterback a month ago, had flashes of brilliance against Colleton County, but also had moments when he looked like a 14-year-old kid making his fourth career start.

Joyner completed six of 18 passes for 134 yards, but missed several wide open receivers throughout the game. Joyner took over for Garrett, who had been a two-year starter for the Patriots.

"Kobe is our best running back we've got and Dakereon is our best passer," said Fort Dorchester coach Steve LaPrad. "We needed to get them both of them on the field, and having Dakereon at quarterback seemed like the best way to do it."

With Joyner struggling with his accuracy Friday night, Garrett took over at quarterback in the third quarter and immediately led the Patriots on two scoring drives.

"Kobe is still our guy, he's the leader of this team and I thought putting him back there might settle things down," LaPrad said. "Kobe is a tremendous playmaker and we need to get the ball in his hands as much as possible."

Garrett capped an eight-play, 59-yard drive with a three-yard TD on the Patriots' opening possession of the third quarter.

After a Raquan Simmons' 52-yard punt return for a TD, Garrett found Diondre Champaigne for a 25-yard TD pass to put the Patriots up 29-0 late in the third quarter. Garrett rushed the ball 10 times for 55 yards and completed three of four passes for 48 yards and caught two passes for 29 yards.

"Dakereon is a great quarterback and he's going to be really good over the next three years," Garrett said. "Coach put me back at quarterback to kind of settle things down and get everyone back on the same page." http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20141017/PC20/141019356

Game by game film: http://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/dakereon-joyner/I7huwSSBEeS00gAmVebEWg/default.htm

More film: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3128860/dakereon-joyner

RB Mataeo Durant 6-0 183 McCormick, SC
Nation's leading freshman runner with 1,979 yds and 25 TDs. Max Preps Freshman All-American. Youth1 AA. Seems to be a humble Christian guy- "Always remember your family, and especialy your church." Durant said.

A read- http://www.indexjournal.com/sports/FABULOUS-FRESHMAN

Film- http://www.maxpreps.com/video/watch.aspx?videoid=a0df0ec3-240e-4b2a-ab88-2f5809f74a45

Film- http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3923666/highlights/218639376/v2

ATH E.J. Humphrey 5-10 170 Greenville, SC Powdersville HS
The Overall MVP for the NUC Youth All-American Game would go to none other than EJ Humphrey. He touched the ball six times in the contest for an amazing 250 yards and three scores. Has two sisters at scar and one at Bama. http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4483817/ej-humphrey
From the NUC AA Game- "Nolan Arrington would complete the first pass of the game hitting speedster EJ Humphrey on a fade. Humphrey would then ###### the ball out of the air like a tennis ball and race to the end zone putting the South up 6-0 with 11:16 left in the first quarter." He also returned a kickoff 35 yards, scored on a 85 yd run, scored on a 42 yd run, and snagged an INT.

Rarely will you see one player dominate a game the way Humphrey did in this highlight.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXLg74uD_hs

WR Demarcus Gregory 6-3 194 Duncan, SC Byrnes HS

Played sparingly during freshman season due to a nagging hip injury. Has the size and frame that should see him turn into the next star wide receiver from Byrnes. Has all the tools, loves to learn the game, and carries a 4.0 GPA in the classroom. -Kerry Fair of SCPrepNation.com http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3371249/demarcus-gregory

“He will probably see some action, but he’s behind that talented group of receivers at Byrnes,” Kerry Fair said. “He’s already 6-foot-2 to 6-foot-3, 175 pounds and is a highlight reel waiting to happen. He’s probably ‘the next big thing’ out of Byrnes and that’s saying something at his age. Think a possible Sammy Watkins-type playmaker if he keeps progressing the rate he has and his doctors say he may end up in the 6-foot-4 to 6-foot-6 range before he’s done growing.”

DE Xavier Thomas 6-3 235 Florence, SC Wilson HS

In 2014, had 59 tackles, 18 TFL, 2 FF, FR, 8 sacks. 2014 Max Preps Freshman All-American. First Team All- Region VII-AAA. Per HUDL.com, has a 4.68 40, 37" vert, 245 bench, and 325 squat. Thomas is a very good student, who wants to major in engineering in college. http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3316228/xavier-thomas

The latest (April 2015)- Attended FSU spring game. Planning on attending CDS Camp in June.

From April 8th per his Twitter- "Just got offered by Florida State Seminoles. @FSU_Recruiting Look forward to being a Seminole one day.@CoachLawing"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWogjsf5zZQ

Short Read- The 6-foot-3, 235-pound linebacker already has the build of, at the very least, a high school senior, with plenty of room to develop. It's only September, yet Thomas has already put together enough bone-crushing hits to fill a highlight tape. In two games, he's recorded 13 tackles, one sack and two forced fumbles. He has also registered a safety.

Wilson head coach Chad Eaddy described Thomas "a total beast" who also happens to be an excellent student, enrolled in the school's international baccalaureate program. Eaddy thinks Thomas could have a future playing on Sundays.

"We have several guys currently in the pros and believe he can be the next," he said.

On the recruiting process- ”It feels good, but I didn’t expect the attention,” he said. “(Wilson head coach) coach (Chad) Eaddy and my mom have told me to just stay humble. So that’s what I’m going to do and I’m going to keep working hard every day.”

**DE Stephon Wynn Jr. 6-4 230 Anderson, SC T.L. Hanna

His father, Stephon Wynn Sr, played for Clemson as a TE from 90-94. Was at the 2015 Coach Dabo Swinney Camp. Attended the 2015 spring game. Attended 2014 CDS camp. A 2-Time Eastbay Youth All-American. Participated in the 2014 Eastbay Youth AA Bowl. Named the #48 prospect in Youth1.com's 2018 Elite 101. Clemson is definitely the team to beat for his services. http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4729073/stephon-wynn-jr

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZ-y1yoK46M

DL Josh Belk 6-3 300 Richburg, SC Lewisville HS

Attended the 2015 spring game.

Short Read- Look for his stock to skyrocket in the coming months as many schools come through and see this monster during the Spring Evaluation Period. In a recent school stop, Belk not only maxed out on the bench press with 355 pounds, but also squatted 400 pounds showcasing his flexibility as he almost hit the floor with his butt on each rep before doing 15 dips as well.

"Obviously the most impressive thing is his girth, strength and frame," Lewisville coach Will Mitchell said. "He's way ahead of any normal freshman. His flexibility and ability to explode with his hips is what makes him different." The rising sophomore holds a 3.3 GPA as well. He plans to camp this summer at South Carolina, Clemson and North Carolina State.

**LB Khalid Jones 6-1 215 Greenville, SC Christ Church

2nd Team Defense Freshman All-American by MaxPreps. Selected to the 2015 Adidas Freshmen AA Game. Youth1.com 2nd Team All-American. Attended 2015 CDS Camp and definitely caught the attention of Coach Swinney. 2nd Team AA by Youth1. Helped lead his team to the Class A Championship game. Attended the 2015 spring game. Caught a Tiger game on October 25th, 2014. Attended 2014 CDS Camp. Has several pics of Clemson and Vic Beastly on his Twitter page.

Film- http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4252548/khalid-jones

LB Jake Venables 6-1 190 Central, SC Daniel HS

Attended 2015 CDS Camp and received an offer, his first. Film- http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3441440/highlights/98164911/v2

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Stellar prospect back in Clemson today!

Sounds like a perfect fit.

6'4" and 280, 13 years old and still growing? Holy mackerel,

Those 2018 Palmetto state prospects I mentioned.....

Re: Stellar prospect back in Clemson today!

Sounds like an awesome kid.

Tigerbry you always have the best recruiting posts

After the day I've had, thanks for the compliment

... x2 and +1.***

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