Clemson's 2016 Defensive Recruits List

Jan 28, 2015, 5:18 PM

DT- Dexter Lawrence 6-5 310 Wake Forest, NC WFHS 24/7 5* No. 3 DT, 14 overall. A 5* guy from Rivals, # 2 DT and #9 overall. 5* from 24/7, #3 DT, #4 overall. CU was the first to offer. Holds offers from Fla, FSU, Miami, Mich, MichSt, UNC, Ark, NCSU, scar, and others. "We knew he was big, and we knew that he could be a great high school football player when he came here in the ninth grade,” said Wake Forest coach Reggie Lucas. “But he has gotten a lot better. He is really big, strong and surprisingly quick for someone that size.” Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/12/11/5378876/wake-forests-big-lineman-has-huge.html#storylink=cpy
For video highlights: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1728960/dexter-lawrence-ii

DT- Derrick Brown 6-4 275 Buford, GA Lanier HS 4* 97 grade by 24/7, #6 DT, #42 overall. An ESPN Top 300, #11 DT, #93 overall, 4*, 83 grade. 5.0 40 yard dash, 335 bench, and 505 squat. Offered on 1-21-14. Unofficial visit on 7-20-14. Has offers from Bama, Aub, BYU, ECU, CU, and others. Has visited Vandy, Bama, Miss St, and CU. From an interview, " Who are you talking to most? Brown: "Georgia, Auburn, Coach Elliot from Clemson, and Vandy." Let's discuss Clemson. Brown: "Clemson, I like their atmosphere. I like the small town. It depends on what I'm looking for in the school." Auburn is an exciting program, as well. What about them? Brown: "Auburn's got a lot of stuff going for them. What I'm looking at with them is how many people come in with that class. I kind of want to play as a true freshman." Also played extremely well in the Rising Senior Bowl, where he garnered four solo tackles, five assisted tackles, two sacks and one forced fumble. Named MVP by the AJC. Film: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2213642/derrick-brown

DL- Julian Rochester 6'5 280 Powder Springs, GA McEachern HS. #6 DL, #46 by Rivals. Per ESPN, #7 DL, #36 overall, and an 84 grade. Size, strength, and point of attack are what separate him. Runs a 5.19 40. Had the highest overall Sparq rating for a DL at 88.71. 2013, 136 tkls, 18 TFL, 11 sks. Offered 11-13-13. Top 5 are Aub, CU, FSU, UGA, LSU. #1 DT, #3 overall by 24/7. This guys an elite prospect. Recently named to the US Army AA game. Runner Up West Defense Junior Bowl Game. Says Georgia and Auburn are recruiting him the hardest. "My chances of going pro, my chances of playing early, graduation rate, if they have my major and how big is that major at that school," Rochester said when asked what his deciding factors will be. Sports management is his intended major. "Plus how far is it from home. I love having my parents at the game." One school that is playing up that love of family is Clemson. Rochester's family is from the Greenville, S.C. area and the Tigers are working that angle heavily. This spring, Rochester is considering getting a visit in to Clemson along with what he considers "automatic" visits to Georgia and Auburn. Florida State is another possibility. For more, check out: http://247sports.com/Bolt/Five-schools-outworking-the-rest-for-Rochester-34334775 For film: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2399222/julian-rochester

DT- Nyles Pinckney 6'3 290 Seabrook, SC Whalebranch HS #14 DT, #105 by Rivals. Four stars, #20 DT, 241 overall by ESPN. In 2012, had 91 tkls, 16 TFL, 7 sks. In 2013, 61 tkls, 17 TFL, 10 FFs. In 2014, had 9 sacks, 27 TFL's, 10 forced fumbles, 8 fumble recoveries, and blocked three field goals. To say he's disruptive is putting it lightly. 5.23 40. Attended CDS camp. Vistited on 9/27/14 and recently attended the CU beatdown of scar. Was impressed by the crowd and said early playing time is also a plus. Has no official favorites as of yet. Named Island Packet/Beaufort Gazette's All-Area Defensive Player of the Year.
Read more here: http://www.thestate.com/2014/12/31/3901064/whale-branchs-nyles-pinckney-named.html#storylink=cpy
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1901546/nyles-pinckney

DT- Rashan Gary 6-4 290 Paramus, New Jersey Paramus Catholic 5* by Rivals, #1 DT and #2 overall. 24/7 also gave him 5*, 99 grade, #1 DT, and #2 overall. Recently chosen as NJ Defensive POTY and the 2016 Under Armour AA Game. 24/7 also gave him a 10 out of 10 on athleticism, a 9 on explosiveness and size, and an 8 on first step and strength. Clocked a 4.74 40, 350 bench, 520 squat, and a 34" vertical. Has over 40 offers including Bama, FSU, UGA, UT, PSU, and others. "For the spring, I know me and coach Partridge talked about taking visits to Pitt, Clemson, LSU, South Carolina and Alabama," Gary, the Paramus (N.J.) Catholic junior defensive end told NJ Advance Media, Monday. "So those are visits I'm gonna take with my d-line coach (John Westervelt)."
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0exLbxXid9Y

DE- Shavar Manuel 6-5 262 Tampa, FL IMG Academy 5* from 24/7, #1 SDE, and #3 nationally. 5* prospect from Rivals and their #2 DE and 7th overall. 2nd overall on ESPN's Top 300. In 2014, recorded 61 tackles and 20 sacks. CBS/MaxPreps All American. Also an All State Team member. Was an all county performer as a freshman and sophomore. Has offers from Bama, FSU, Miami, PSU, Fla, OhSt, CU, and others. Has a top three of Bama, FSU, and Miami. From Jamie Newburg, "I was very anxious to see the 6-foot-4, 260-pounder, as they hosted a very good Tampa Bay Tech team led by Clemson bound Deon Cain. On this night Tech beat Blake 20-6. They did a nice job of scheming Manuel. On the game’s first play from scrimmage, Cain froze Manuel on a zone read option and scored on an 80-yard run. Certainly I see things that he must continue to work on. He can always get bigger, stronger and faster. Manuel can play a little harder. At least for the next two seasons he will constantly see double teams and teams running away from him. There are plays to be made on the other side of the field. He can get there. Of course Manuel can continue to work on his technique. Heck, I already think he does a nice job with it. He has several moves already in his arsenal."
For more, http://recruiting.scout.com/story/1437988-scouting-5-star-shavar-manuel

DT Anwuan Jackson 6-2 285 Ellenwood, GA Cedar Grove High 4* prospect from ESPN, 83 grade, #10 DT, #73 overall. 4* #7 DT by 24/7. 4* #7 DT and #63 overall on Rivals. Runs a 5.23 40, 4.87 shuttle, 22.2" vertical, and graded out at 63.15 Sparq Combine (By contrast, Julian Rochester graded out at 88.71). Holds offers from Bama, Aub, scar, Cincy, CU, Oregon, UT, and most majors. Has a very explosive first step. His brother, Bryson, plays at scar.
For combine film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2v3quq55SfY
For game film: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1509422/highlights/25466373

DT Malik Walker 6-1 260 Montezuma, GA Macon County. A 24/7 Composite 3*, #35 SDE, #651 in the nation. A 3* prospect from ESPN. Nike Sparq verified 5.10 40, 22.7" vertical, 310 bench, and 445 squat. Has offers from Neb, UT, GT, UCLA, CU, and others. Was on campus for the UofL game. “Coach Swinney said they are high on me,” Walker said. “He said, just watch Jarrett. He said I could be like the next Jarrett. I could see myself playing there. I loved it,” he said of the Clemson visit. “I feel like I can play there. I like what coach Venables is doing.” Walker plans to return to Clemson for the USC game. ” CU offered last May. Has visited UT and stated they were on top. During his sophomore year had 57 tackles, 13 TFL, and 8 sacks.
For game film: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1527968/malik-walker

DE- Terrell Hall 6-5 225 Washington D.C. St. John's College HS A 4* recruit on Rivals, #9 WDE, #178 overall. Per 24/7, a 3* prospect, #16 WDE, and #343 overall. Offered on 10/16/14. #19 WDE, 334 by Rivals. Has visited PSU and MD. Has offers from PSU, Tenn, OSU, UCLA. Once he attends more combines he could fly up most boards. There isn't a whole lot on him. Has no favorites as of now but has been to Ohio State three times.
Film: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2894054/terrell-hall

DT- David Marshall 6-4 275 Thomaston, GA. According to Rivals he's a 3* star guy, #26 DT. Per ESPN he's a 4* prospect, #22 DT, and #252 overall. Has offers from Alabama, Aub, GT, UofL, UCLA, CU, and others. 4.8 40 time, 300 bench, and 465 squat. Aub and Bama supposedly lead for him.
Film: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2540323/david-marshall

DE Chidi Okonya 6-5 230 Riverdale, GA 24/7 Sports has him as a 4* guy and the #12 SDE. Was offered on 5/9/14. Visited CDS Camp. Combine times of 4.84 40, 405 squat, 30' vert. As a sophomore, 30 tkls, 1 sk, 2 FR. In 2014, 8 games played with 21 solo tkls and a sack. Made the All Region Team and was a participant in the GAHS Junior Bowl. Mike Reed visited him on May 9, 2014. Is a member of National Honor Society, BETA, and nominated for Governor's Honor Program. Also has a 4.0 GPA. Has several offers including UGA, Duke, Miami, Ole Miss, Cincy, and CU.
Film: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2110398/chidi-okonya

DE/LB Rahshaun Smith 6-2 226 4* Baltimore, MD St. Frances HS (recently transferred to Florida's IMG Academy) #1 DE by Rivals, #10 overall. 24/7 recently listed him as the #4 SDE and 48 overall. Crystall ball: 45% Oklahoma, 27% Clemson, 27% FSU. Has taken unofficials to WVU, Bama, CU, MD, and PSU twice. Visited for the Syracuse game. Being recruited by Brent Venables. 4.5 40, 30.3" vertical, and Sparq rating of 76.89. Has offers from most majors including Bama, CU, FSU, Okla, Fla, Mich, PSU, and UT.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qg700XRXjX8

DE/OLB Shane Simmons 6-4 225 4* Hyattsville, MD DeMatha HS Under Armour All American game selection. Recently committed to PSU.

DE/LB Josh Brown 6-3 210 4* Charlotte, NC Mallard Creek HS 24/7 has him as the #11 WDE. Attended CDS Camp. Unofficial visit on 11-30-14. Gave a verbal to FSU on 9/21/14.

LB- Keion Joyner 6-3 200 Havelock, NC Havelock HS 5* prospect from 24/7, #1 OLB, #4 overall. #1 overall on Scout.com. Rivals has him as the #3 LB and #15 nationally. In 2014, Joyner totaled 86 tackles with 5 1/2 sacks and 16 tackles for loss. He also blocked a punt against New Bern. He had double figures in tackles twice during the season. Has offers from most majors including Aub, Fla, LSU, UNC, OhSt, and CU. Made an unofficial visit to CU on April 4, 2014. Was recently named to the 2014 NC All State Team. Grew up a Buckeyes fan but his family is from Abbeville, LA and LSU is high on his list. Scott Kennedy, Scout.com’s national executive director of scouting, describes Joyner as a “terrific pass rusher, both patient and aggressive, incredibly fast chasing plays down from the backside.” 2016 Under Armor AA Game participant. "I think Keion will be able to go to whatever college he wants and I'm sure he'll be playing in the NFL someday – and probably be a first-round draft choice."
Article and film: http://recruiting.scout.com/story/1410626-the-scout-300-for-2016

LB- Brandon Hill 6-3 208 Columbia, SC Heathwood Hall HS Has an offer and unofficial visited on 9/7/14. In 2015 has been a jack of all trades with 26 tkls, 4 TFL, INT, 34 carries 225 yds 5 TDs, 6 recs 120 yds and a TD. Clocked a 4.59 40 time, 33" vertical, 300 bench, and 400 squat. Also plays soccer. Has offers from CU, Wake, and Duke.
Film: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2927705/brandon-hill

OLB Lyndell Wilson 6-2 215 5* Montgomery, AL Carver HS Offered on 4/30/14. As a sophomore, 71 tackles, 7 sacks, 5 FF. Now a 5* on 24/7 #2 OLB, 23 overall. Rivals has him as a 5* prospect, # 1 LB, and 12th overall. Runs a 4.64 40, 32" vertical, 245 bench, 495 squat, and runs a 11.2 100M Dash. Has offers from Bama, Aub, UGA, UofL, Oregon, scar, UT, CU, and several others. Most pundits feel he will stay instate at either Bama or Auburn. Released a Top 7 of Oregon, Bama, Aub, UofL, UT, GA, and USC. Has invitations to Under Armour AA Game and the US Army AA game. Also participated in Rivals 5 Star Challenge. Per his coach, "Lyndell is a freakish athletic kid," Gresham said. "He's 6-foot-3, runs like a 4.5 40. His football IQ is really high. He has a knack for rolling his hips and making big hits. He does everything you want in a linebacker. He can cover, can run, can hit, can rush the passer and, most importantly, he just makes play."
Read more here: http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2014/07/freakish_2016_athlete_lyndell.html For highlights: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2605363/lyndell-mack-wilson

ILB Shaq Quarterman 6-1 235 Orange Park, FL 2012 and 2013 Max Preps All American. Rivals 4*, #4 LB, and 151 overall. Gave a verbal to Miami.
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1556884/highlights/61236381

LB Jamie Skalski 6-1 225 Newnan, GA Northgate High. 24/7 Composite has him as a 3* prospect and the #39 OLB. According to Rivals, Skalski is a 3* recruit and the 24th best LB. He currently has offers from CU, UofL, Marshall, Miss, UNC, UCF, and others. Had a thumb injury and was limited to 7 games but tallied 78 tackles and 3 sacks. Was named to the All County Team in 2014. "My favorite right now is Clemson," Skalski said. "I like coach Venables and I like their defense. The way I play, I can fit right into their system and what he does...quick read and getting to the football."
For highlights: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1511973/jamie-skalski

LB Tre Lamar 6-3 230 4* #7LB on ESPN. Roswell, GA 24/7 93 grade, #5 ILB, #161 overall for 24/7. #8 LB, 90 overall on Rivals. Offered on 3/8/14. Recruited by BV and Coach Elliott. 315 bench, 405 squat. Won "Beast Award" at the Nike Showcase and ran a 4.9 40, 4.63 sh, 31.6' vert. Attended Junior Day. Unofficially visited on 8/2/14, 9/6/14, and 11/30/14. In 2013, 67 tkls, 4 sks, 25 TFL, 8 QBPs, INT. Has Clemson in his top 5. He would be a solid pickup. Plays with an edge. Has offers from Bama, Aub, Fla, Miami, GT, CU, and others. Being recruited by Brent Venables and Tony Elliott. On Clemson: “They was the first to offer me and the first that I talked to so I like them a lot. It was good experience meeting Coach Veneables, Coach Swinney and Coach Elliott” On Miami: “I haven’t been to Miami yet but I grew up a fan of them so it was great to get the offer from them.”
Latest highlights: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2417525/highlights/180159389

ATH/ DB- Saivion Smith 6-2 175 IMG Academy, St. Petersburg, FL 4* ESPN. Rivals 4* No. 2 ATH, #24 overall. 5* by Rivals.com, #2 CB, and # 16 overall. In 2014, had 67 tackles, 6 INTs, and three blocked punts. Offered on 5-7-14. Unofficial visit to the scar beatdown. Also attended the 2014 CDS Camp. Considered to be a top prospect in this class. Check this out folks: "Smith has outstanding size at 6-foot-2, 185-pounds. He excels in coverage, against the run and on special teams both as a return man and on blocking kicks. In this game against Trinity he fought off a block to make a tackle on running back Jeff Holland. While tackling Holland he stripped him and picked up with football. Smith raced down the sideline for a score. At the time it was his six non-offensive touchdown this season [if you include the Kickoff Classic]." The aforementioned play can be seen at the :30 mark of this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMVnucSE40w

WR/CB- Malek Young 5-10 175 Coconut Creek, FL ESPN has him as the #20 CB, #297 overall, and a 79 grade. 24/7 rates him as the #41 CB and 434 overall. Runs a 4.42 40, 36" vertical, 265 bench, 405 squat, and a 10.53 100M dash. Is a utility player who see's time on offense, kick and punt return teams. Nominated for Under Armor AA Game but will play in the US Army game instead. Grew up a FSU fan and is widely considered to be a FSU lean. Offered by BV.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hedp083Z7XU

CB/ATH Robbie Robinson 5-10 170 Hampton, VA Phoebus HS(same HS as Boyd) 4* #18 CB, #214 overall by Rivals. 4.45 40. In 2013, 80 tkls, 4 sks, 4 INTs (1 for TD), 5 punt returns for TD, 2 KO for TDs. First Team All State. First-Team All-Conference Defensive Back & Punt Return, First-Team All-Region Defensive Back & Punt Return and First-Team All-State ATH. 4.2 GPA. Smart kid. Visited CU for the scar game. Also made it to CDS Camp in 2014. "What will be the determining factor in choosing your school? : “Education and opportunity to play true freshman year.”
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1806598/robbie-robinson

S/ Ath Brittain Brown 6-0 185 Canton, GA Cherokee High 4* by ESPN, #6 RB, 100 overall, 82 grade. 3 star prospect by 24/7, #25 S, #327 overall. 4.67 40, 4.12 20yd shuttle, 38" vertical, Sparq rating of 100.29. 1st team All Region and 2nd team all state. Visited during UNC game. Has offers from CU, GT, Ole Miss, and others.
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2623833/brittain-brown

S Nigel Warrior 6-1 180 Atlanta, GA West Lake, HS 4* #5 S and #93 nationally from 24/7. Rivals #1 S, #30 overall. 4.49 40, 250 bench, 410 squat, and 32" vertical. As a sophomore, 61 tackles and 1 INT. Picked off a pair of passes in Georgia's annual Junior All Star Game. Named Defensive MVP of Junior Game. Son of NFL great Dale Carter. Also runs track. Definitely respected for his speed. He said Tenn leads but UGA is pushing hard.

DB Trayvon Mullen 6-2 175 Pompano Beach, FL Coconut Creek HS 4* #6, 114 by Yahoo. Called Clemson a "Dream offer." 4.37 40. Offered on 5-13-14. #1 CB, 7 overall by ESPN. CU, Bama, FSU, and Fla are in the mix. He is an exceptional athlete who is still growing. Some have him as a Miami lean but it's far from over.

PK/P John Young 6-0 185 Mocksville, NC Davie County HS Has visited in October but does not have an offer. Currently his only offer remains WVU.

*** Please note this is not every prospect we're going after. If you'd like the complete offensive list please TMail me. Have a great day and GO TIGERS!

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Clemson's 2016 Defensive Recruits List

Thanks +1***

Thanks a ton. These are great. Who do you think we lead for?

Hard to say as of now who we lead for but...

we'll take more than that

R. Gary and S. Smith are my #1 wants for 2016***

Re: Clemson's 2016 Defensive Recruits List

Re: Clemson's 2016 Defensive Recruits List

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