CLEMSON RECRUITING

Huggins ready to put his recruitment on the fast track
Huggins at Clemson's camp during the summer.

Huggins ready to put his recruitment on the fast track


by - Senior Writer -

Albert Huggins Albert Huggins
Defensive Tackle
6-3, 280
Orangeburg, SC

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has taken an unusual path through the recruiting process.

The 4-star Orangeburg (SC) Orangeburg-Wilkinson defensive end plans to enroll in his school of choice in January but hasn't had the opportunity to see all of the schools he's interested in. However, with test scores in hand, Huggins is ready put his recruitment on the fast track and draw nearer to rendering a decision.

The 6-2, 280-pound prospect told TigerNet Tuesday evening that submitting his test scores to interested schools was the primary reason he hasn't taken visits but that everything is now a go for his first official visit.

"I have my test scores in now," Huggins told TigerNet. "I just sent them in about a week ago so I'm probably set to go now. I just had to wait for the right time to take visits. Florida will probably be my first visit."

Huggins has seen Clemson a number of times but don't be surprised if you see him on the sidelines later this season, even though seeing what the Tigers have to offer isn't a priority at this time.

"I may take an official visit to Clemson or I may not. I may get the more important things out of the way - these urgent schools that I haven't seen yet," Huggins said. "It's not that they're the most important schools but they are the schools that I want to see and haven't seen yet. If I get those out of the way, then I might take a visit to Clemson. It's not that other schools lead, it's just that I haven't been anywhere besides Clemson, South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia."

Huggins still remains in contact with the Clemson coaching staff and likes what he has seen from the program.

"I talk to Coach Hobby. He tried to call me Saturday but I wasn't able to answer," Huggins said. "We talk frequently or at least once or twice a week. If I were to choose Clemson it would be because of the family atmosphere and the memories I've made there. They make me feel like family every time I'm there."

Huggins has been a highly recruited prospect since Clemson and South Carolina offered in November of 2012. His hard work has continued to pay off as he was just presented his jersey for the U.S. Army All American Game earlier this week, becoming the first player from Orangeburg-Wilkinson to be given the honor.

"It's just an honor. It's the number one thing that makes your family and your parents proud and your whole team proud." he said. "I was really excited. I try to set an example for the younger guys and show them that anyone can do it. All you have to do is put in focus, hard work and dedication."

The honor of playing in such a prestigious game is more than just about what he can do on the field, it also pays homage to the service man in Huggins family.

"Really, why I'm participating in the U.S. Army game is because it's the Army," he said. "One of my uncles was in the Army, so I do it for that and also just to have fun. Yes, I'm competing but I like to have fun. I like to be around new people, see new people and meet new people."

As a junior, Huggins had 65 tackles, 11 sacks, 13 tackles for loss and four forced fumbles. 

As a sophomore, Huggins had 64 tackles and four sacks. 

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