Highly-touted Alabama linebacker set to make Wednesday visit to Clemson

Bentley is shown here at The Opening Atlanta regional Sunday

by Hannah Rogerson - Correspondent - Tue Mar 27 18:15:13 GMT-04:00 2018

One of the top linebackers out of the state of Alabama and in the nation will make his second trip to Clemson in less than a month, on Wednesday.

Four-star 2019 standout LaVonta Bentley out of Birmingham (AL) Jackson-Olin will return to campus for spring practice. Joining him on the visit will be his high school coach and 2020 linebacker teammate, Quandarrius Robinson.

Bentley gathered a bevy of offers in late January, including Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Florida and South Carolina. Clemson added its name to that list during the same time frame, and Bentley made the trip to campus for Junior Day on March 3.

TigerNet had the chance to talk to Bentley at the Opening Atlanta Regional last Sunday, and he said he now has a decision timeframe.

“I’d say like the end of the season,” he told TigerNet when asked when he would pick his final school.

Bentley discussed how he has been in constant contact with Clemson coaches, including handwritten letters from recruiter Todd Bates.

“I love it, He treats me like family (referring to coach Todd Bates) and that’s what it’s all about,” Bentley said. “He shows a lot of his coaching that he does. He said once I get up there I won’t have to worry about anything, like I said, treats me like family, and that’s the whole coaching style. I wait for the letters from them, they are handwritten letters.”

Head coach Dabo Swinney has also made an impact on Bentley.

“I like him, he interacts with the players, I like him. When we first got there, we first sat down, me and my brothers, and head coach sat by me!” according to Bentley.

The blitz seems to be Bentley’s specialty, and according to Clemson, that is exactly where he will fit in with Clemson’s defense.

“They say they do a blitz, which is what I like, they said my first day to impress I will be blitzing. I like contact, that’s how I am, I love contact, blitzing for me is a quicker way for me to get to the quarterback, to the running back, or whoever got the ball, I do what I love,” he said.

Bentley will be visiting Clemson for a second time this Wednesday and intends on making the most of his trip.

“I do want to interact with the players, and go out with the players, and just enjoy time down there,” he said.

Bentley has received multiple offers from big name schools including Alabama and Auburn.

“I’ll being going to Auburn Tuesday, then I’ll spend the night in Atlanta, then wake up and come to Clemson.,” he said. “Then the 13th and 14th I’m going to Bama (Alabama).