Keeping the Momentum

by Mickey Plyler - Radio Host - Mon Jul 20 09:18:12 GMT-04:00 2015

Keeping the Momentum

When you look at the national pre-season magazines you see a lot is expected of powers like Alabama again this season. Yes, the same Crimson Tide team that lost TJ Yeldon, Blake Sims, Amari Cooper, DeAndrew White, Christian Jones, Landon Collins and Trey DePriest. However, Bama returns stars like Derrick Henry, Reggie Ragland, Ryan Kelly, A'Shawn Robinson, Eddie Jackson, Oj Howard and Cam Robinson.

It is pretty obvious that Bama's success on the recruiting trail has them replenishing their four- and five-stars with more four- and five-stars.

This is not what South Carolina did. The Gamecocks had a nice run with players like Marcus Lattimore and Jadeveon Clowney, but the staff in Columbia failed to replenish the four- and five-star talent.

Clemson has done a very good job of this under Dabo SwinneyDabo Swinney
Head Coach
View Full Profile . When Nuk Hopkins and Sammy Watkins move on the to NFL, they are replaced with Mike Williams and Artavis Scott.

The Class of 2016 is small because of a lack of scholarships, but so far the Tigers have more difference-makers on the way.

The class got a major boost this past weekend when Tre LamarTre Lamar
Linebacker
6-4, 235
Roswell, GA
ESPN:
View Full Profile , a top 100 linebacker from Roswell, GA, committed. Lamar chose Clemson over SEC powers like Alabama and Auburn. He will team with five-star Shaq Smith and three-star Jamie SkalskiJamie Skalski
Linebacker
6-1, 225
Newnan, GA
ESPN:
View Full Profile to keep the linebacker corps a strength of the program. This group reminds me of the one that included Stephone Anthony and Tony Steward from four years ago.

This recruiting class is impressive. The Tigers have commitments from four-stars like quarterback Zerrick CooperZerrick Cooper
Quarterback
6-4, 200
Jonesboro, GA
ESPN:
View Full Profile , running back Tavien FeasterTavien Feaster
Running Back
6-0, 202
Spartanburg, SC
ESPN:
View Full Profile , wide receivers TJ Chase and Cornell PowellCornell Powell
Wide Receiver
6-1, 200
Greenville, NC
ESPN:
View Full Profile and offensive lineman Sean PollardSean Pollard
Offensive Guard
6-5, 295
Southern Pines, NC
ESPN:
View Full Profile .

Clemson is done at quarterback, running back, tight end and linebacker. The staff would like to take one more wide receiver where four-star Diondre OvertonDiondre Overton
Wide Receiver
6-5, 195
Greensboro, NC
ESPN:
View Full Profile will decide between Clemson and Tennessee.

The Tigers would like two more offensive linemen and are in the final group for a couple of four-stars like John SimpsonJohn Simpson
Offensive Guard
6-4, 290
North Charleston, SC
ESPN:
View Full Profile who will pick between Clemson and South Carolina and Bryce Matthews who will commit this week to either Clemson, Ole Miss or Tennessee.

At defensive end, Tony Clayton is a top 100 four-star athlete that has Clemson and Auburn at the top of his list. Xavier KellyXavier Kelly
Defensive End
6-5, 230
Wichita, KS
ESPN:
View Full Profile is another four-star who has Clemson in his top three with Alabama and Florida State.

The Tigers may take one more defensive back with Marquill OsborneMarquill Osborne
Cornerback
6-0, 180
Charlotte, NC
ESPN:
View Full Profile perhaps the top candidate. Osborne is currently committed to Tennessee.

At defensive tackle, Clemson leads for four-star Nyles Pickney and have two of the top 100 players in the country in Dexter LawrenceDexter Lawrence
Defensive End
6-5, 315
Wake Forest, NC
View Full Profile and Rashan Gary's attention.

So this class is almost done and it appears this class will be in line with some of the best classes in recent years. Keep an eye on Matthews, Simpson, Pickney, Overton, Clayton, Kelly, Osborne, Lawrence and Gary. This class could have another strong finish and another step toward keeping this program among the nation's elite.

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