All In Cookout: Can the Tigers snag a commitment?

T.J. Chase is one of the Clemson commits supposed to be on campus Friday

by Nikki Hood - Staff Writer - Fri Jul 17 08:15:12 GMT-04:00 2015

Summer is the best time for a good and old fashioned cookout, but the Clemson coaching staff will hold a cookout Friday that will have far-reaching consequences.

Clemson’s coaches will host several 2016 commitments and top prospects in a scaled-down version of the Fourth Annual All In Cookout Friday. The Tigers have nine solid commitments in what will be a smaller recruiting class, a class that promises to be smaller than in recent seasons.

The All In Cookout has given the Tigers a boost in recruiting in years past. In 2012, Clemson picked up commitments from running back Tyshon Dye, wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (who later enrolled at Florida), tight end Cannon Smith and wide receiver Mike Williams. In 2013, defensive end Jabril Robinson pledged his commitment to the Tigers at the cookout and 4-star defensive end Austin Bryant gave his pledge at last year’s cookout.

The Tigers have had just one commitment since the March 5th commitment of linebacker Rahshaun SmithRahshaun Smith
Linebacker
6-3, 230
Towson, MD
ESPN:
View Full Profile when offensive lineman Chandler ReevesChandler Reeves
Offensive Tackle
6-6, 255
McDonough, GA
View Full Profile committed last month.

Not making the trip are commits wide receiver Cornell PowellCornell Powell
Wide Receiver
6-1, 200
Greenville, NC
ESPN:
View Full Profile out of Greenville (NC) Rose (Shrine Bowl Top 100 camp in Randleman, NC), running back Tavien FeasterTavien Feaster
Running Back
6-0, 190
Spartanburg, SC
ESPN:
View Full Profile out of Spartanburg (SC) (National Select 7-on-7 in Hoover, AL) and offensive lineman Sean PollardSean Pollard
Offensive Guard
6-5, 295
Southern Pines, NC
ESPN:
View Full Profile out of Southern Pines (NC) Pinecrest (team camp). Top prospects not making the trip are wide receiver Diondre OvertonDiondre Overton
Wide Receiver
6-5, 195
Greensboro, NC
ESPN:
View Full Profile out of Greensboro (NC) Page (previously scheduled trip to Tennessee), defensive tackle Rashan Gary out of Paramus (NJ) Paramus Catholic (UGA Dawg Night), and top offensive line prospect John SimpsonJohn Simpson
Offensive Guard
6-4, 290
North Charleston, SC
ESPN:
View Full Profile out of North Charleston (SC) Fort Dorchester (also a visit to Tennessee).

However, both Overton and Simpson spent multiple days at Clemson’s high school camp last month and have had several visits to the Clemson campus. The feeling here is that Clemson still leads for both prospects.

Commits expected to be on hand for the Cookout are WR T.J. ChaseT.J. Chase
Wide Receiver
6-2, 175
Plant City, FL
ESPN:
View Full Profile out of Bradenton (FL) IMG Academy, QB Zerrick CooperZerrick Cooper
Quarterback
6-4, 200
Jonesboro, GA
ESPN:
View Full Profile out of Jonesboro (GA), LB Rahshaun Smith out of Bradenton (FL) IMG Academy, TE J.C. ChalkJ.C. Chalk
Tight End
6-4, 221
Argyle, TX
ESPN:
View Full Profile out of Argyle (TX), LB Jamie SkalskiJamie Skalski
Linebacker
6-1, 225
Newnan, GA
ESPN:
View Full Profile out of Newnan (GA) Northgate and OL Chandler Reeves out of McDonough (GA) Eagles Landing.

Top prospects we expect to be on hand are DE Xavier KellyXavier Kelly
Defensive End
6-5, 230
Wichita, KS
ESPN:
View Full Profile out of Wichita (SC) Wichita East, DE Antonneous ClaytonAntonneous Clayton
Defensive End
6-4, 220
Vienna, GA
View Full Profile out of Vienna (GA) Dooly County, LB Tre LamarTre Lamar
Linebacker
6-3, 230
Roswell, GA
ESPN:
View Full Profile out of Roswell (GA), OL Bryce MathewsBryce Mathews
Offensive Tackle
6-6, 275
Brentwood, TN
ESPN:
View Full Profile out of Brentwood (TN) Brentwood Academy and DT Nyles PinckneyNyles Pinckney
Defensive Tackle
6-3, 290
Seabrook, SC
ESPN:
View Full Profile out of Seabrook (SC) Whale Branch.

While there probably won’t be any commitments at this year’s cookout, several prospects could be nearing a decision with the most highly touted being Lamar, who has traveled to Clemson several times. Most believe that the 4-star’s decision will come down to Auburn and Clemson and it’s very possible that the cookout will be his last visit before rendering a decision.

Clayton just recently exploded onto the recruiting scene and the Tigers have been in a favorable position since the beginning. Clayton followed the career of former defensive end Vic Beasley very closely and likes the prospect of playing in the Tigers’ defense. However, he is the cousin of Auburn defensive tackle Montravious Adams, who picked Auburn over Clemson.

Kelly visited Clemson recently and included the Tigers in his recent list of top schools. The good news for the Tigers? Kelly will be bringing along family members to the cookout so they can see what he saw during his time on campus.

Both Pinckney and Mathews appear to be nearing decisions. Pinckney’s will be between Clemson and South Carolina. Mathews enjoyed his spring trip to Clemson, however with long-time family ties to the SEC, it may be difficult for the coaching staff to pull this highly sought after offensive lineman away from Tennessee.