Elite Junior Day: Big-time defensive line prospects on hand this weekend |
Mention a position of need in Clemson’s 2023 recruiting class and defensive line is the first spot that comes to mind. A big step in filling that need happens this weekend when the Clemson coaching staff hosts Elite Junior Day.
Clemson signed just three defensive linemen (two ends, one tackle) in 2021 and will likely wind up with just two for the 2022 recruiting cycle (one defensive tackle and one defensive end). Considering that following the end of the 2022 season, the Tigers potentially might lose players such as Bryan Bresee, Tyler Davis, Xavier Thomas, Myles Murphy, Justin Mascoll, KJ Henry, and Ruke Orhorhoro, and the onus is on the coaches to refill those ranks. Six big-time defensive line talents, including two 5-stars, will be on hand for the festivities. That talent starts with 5-star defensive tackle Vic Burley of Warner Robins (GA) and 5-star defensive tackle Peter Woods of Alabaster (AL) Thompson. According to the 247Sports Composite Rankings, Burley is the No. 33 prospect and No. 6 defensive lineman in the nation, and Clemson has long been considering a favorite to land Burley and his cousin is new defensive tackles coach Nick Eason. Last month Woods put out a top six that included Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Georgia, and Oregon. Woods, who checked in just over 6-foot-3, 268 pounds, is ranked the No. 4 defensive lineman and the No. 23 overall player in the country, per the 247Sports Composite Rankings. Many consider Woods an Alabama lean, but he’s made multiple trips to Clemson and the Tigers are definitely a contender. The other four defensive linemen on hand are 4-star Darron Reed of Columbus (GA) Carver, 4-star defensive tackle Keith Sampson of New Bern (NC), 4-star defensive Keldric Faulk of Highland Home (AL), and 4-star Derrick LeBlanc of Kissimmee (FL) Osceola. Sampson was a late Clemson offer but the Tigers have made his top five that also included Ohio State, South Carolina, N.C. State, and North Carolina in early January. Some other big names to watch include just one offensive lineman – Sam Pendleton of Pfafftown (NC) Reagan. The Clemson coaches checked in at Reagan earlier this week, and new offensive line coach Thomas Austin is building a relationship with Pendleton. The coaches at Reagan tell me that the Tigers are definitely in the mix. Four-star defensive back Braxton Myers of Coppell (TX) headlines a couple of big-time defensive backs. The coaches stopped in at Myers’ school earlier this week, even though Myers wasn’t there, and the son of former NFL and Alabama player Michael Myers. Myers concluded the 2021 season with 40 tackles, five tackles for loss, 11 pass breakups, one forced fumble, and three interceptions. Myers earned a Clemson offer last week and said it was the one offer he really wanted, and that he couldn’t wait to make it to campus this weekend. He said he plans to release a list of top schools afterward, cut that list down in a couple months and then is aiming for a summer commitment. What would it take for Clemson to make sure it has a spot in that first list? “Just the relationship with Coach (Mike) Reed that I've already built from previous years,” Myers said. “I think they already are in my top ten. Just being able to see all the coaches again. Just be cool. And see other recruits there. Just have a good time.” Four-star cornerback Avieon Terrell of Atlanta (GA) Westlake will also be on hand. The younger brother of former Tiger AJ Terrell, Avieon is no stranger to TigerTown and was Clemson's first offer to a 2023 prospect. It’s also notable that 4-star quarterback Christopher Vizzina of Birmingham (AL) Briarwood Christian will be on hand. Vizzina is the no-doubt top quarterback target for the Tigers in 2023, and the Tigers will look to cement their status as a favorite with a good weekend. A few more that we will be following are 4-star wide receiver Tyler Williams of Lakeland (FL), 4-star linebacker Grayson Howard of Jacksonville (FL) Andrew Jackson, 4-star running back Justice Haynes of Roswell (GA) Blessed Trinity, and 4-star safety Dakaari Nelson of Selma (AL). We will have more and updated list as we glean more info.
Upgrade Your Account
Unlock premium boards and exclusive features (e.g. ad-free) by upgrading your account today.
Upgrade Now
