Elite Tennessee linebacker recaps Clemson visit

Hannah has 17 national offers

by David Hood - Senior Writer - May 2, 2018, 1:03 PM

Defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Brent Venables has two linebackers committed for the 2019 recruiting class but has as many as seven spots that will open over the next two seasons. That means there is room for more.

Jackson Hannah, a 4-star out of Nashville (TN) Montgomery Bell Academy, was on hand for Clemson’s spring game and came away impressed with what he saw and heard.

“The campus was beautiful, I think it's one of the prettiest campuses I've seen," Hannah said. "Beautiful campus, nice people, of course, great football program they've got going. Overall visit was good. Good seeing the players get after it a little bit. It was a great visit, I loved it."

Hannah is rated as the No. 7 player in the state of Tennessee and is ranked by Rivals as the No. 9 inside linebacker in the nation. He boasts 17 offers, including South Carolina, Oregon, Ole Miss, LSU, Florida, Louisville, Alabama, Wisconsin, Duke, Ole Miss, Vanderbilt and Kentucky.

While on campus, Hannah spoke with Venables and area recruiter Lemanski Hall, and both coaches told him where he would fit in with the Clemson defense.

"They want me at inside linebacker, which is what I will play this year," Hannah said. "This past year I played outside and overhang for my high school. They are talking to me about middle linebacker, that's what they want me for. They've got some great linebackers. Number 10 (Ben Boulware), I forgot his name, he's my idol.

“About two years ago I watched every movement he made. He was just a beast, an animal on the field, in on every play. I know they have tough linebackers. They are known to have a tough defense. Clemson defense is always supposed to be strong. I'm glad that they want me and I know that I can fill that gap where they want me at."

Hannah said he has also has visited Arkansas and said he is working on setting up an official visit there. He's also been to Cal, and the Bears are recruiting him hard. He is working on his top five and he said Clemson would be in that group.

He said he wants to make his decision before his senior season and he will sign early but he will not graduate early.