New commit Kyler McMichael is powerful, explosive and a good citizen

McMichael committed to Clemson Friday morning

David Hood - Senior Writer - Jun 23, 2017, 10:18 AM

Another day and another 4-star chooses Clemson, and it’s yet another standout from the state of Georgia.

Four-star defensive back Kyler McMichael of Norcross (GA) Greater Atlanta Christian announced early Friday (before a 7-on-7 tournament) that he was headed to Clemson, choosing the Tigers over a final three of Alabama and Georgia in the end.

McMichael becomes Clemson's 11th commitment in the 2018 recruiting class, the Tigers' fourth from the state of Georgia, joining 5-star QB Trevor Lawrence, 5-star defensive end Justin Mascoll and 4-star defensive tackle Darnell Jefferies.

The 4-star prospect is ranked No. 118 in the ESPN 300, is the first defensive back prospect in Clemson's class and is the 11th to commit for the 2018 cycle. McMichael had early offers from Alabama, Arizona State, Auburn, Clemson, Duke, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Michigan State, Mississippi State, North Carolina, Syracuse, Tennessee, UCLA, Virginia Tech, Wisconsin, and others.

Atlanta Christian head coach Tim Hardy says the coaching staff used McMichael as more of an offensive weapon last season, but he should see increased playing time on defense this season. It’s on defense where the Clemson coaching staff sees McMichael as a fit, and Hardy says the Tigers are getting a guy who can play defensive back or nickel right away.

“As a player, he is really, really explosive. From point A to point B, it's remarkable how powerful he is and the break on the ball he has,” Hardy said. “How he accelerates with the ball as a running back and he is a powerful, explosive young man. You see that when he runs and when he jumps and you really see it on the field. He is a gifted, talented guy. He is improving and getting better. This summer he has taken a step forward in his coverage skills and is becoming really proficient at his craft.

“He took a -huge step last year from game one to game 15 in terms of being a running back and understanding the run fit and the holes and that kind of stuff. I just think he is a kid with tremendous natural ability who will do nothing but improve as a player. He has a really bright future.”

The Tigers are also getting a good citizen.

“He is an outstanding young man. Very coachable and eager to learn,” Hardy said. “A very good teammate. He is a good teammate who cares about the 65th guy on the roster as much as he does the third or fourth guy on the roster. He will assimilate really well in the college culture and he will be a great teammate as well as a great player.”

What helped the coaches at Clemson land McMichael?

“Kyler as a person is very relational and he thrives when someone knows you and knows who you are,” Hardy said. “Clearly, the program at Clemson under Coach Swinney's leadership is absolutely outstanding in terms of understanding how to connect relationally with their student-athletes. They get to know them as people and they help you achieve your goals. He has enjoyed the genuine nature of everyone throughout their football program.”