Spring Talent Show: 4-stars headline visitor list

Dakereon Joyner will be making his second trip to Clemson in three weeks

by Nikki Hood - Staff Writer - Apr 8, 2016, 12:00 PM

Spring football is quickly coming to a close with the final act – Clemson’s annual Orange and White Game – being played at 2:30 Saturday afternoon in Death Valley.

The game will provide fans with a glimpse of what the 2016 football season might hold, but it’s also the coaching staff’s final junior day, and head coach Dabo Swinney made sure to tell fans just how important Saturday is for the current team as well as for the future of Clemson football.

"I really want to challenge our crowd and our fans to show up," Swinney said after a recent practice. "It is going to be the last time to see Deshaun Watson, most likely in the spring game. All our seniors from last year's team will be there. Man, if we can have 30,000 people show up for a pizza party. We ought to have 50,000 show up, at least, for a spring game. A lot of new guys and new faces so I really want to challenge our fan base to come and enjoy a great day in Clemson.

“The game is going to be at 2:30. It is a big recruiting day for us as well so hopefully, we will have a great, great crowd and start this season off the right way. We are going to win too. We are definitely going to win. It is always a fun day when you split the team like that to see guys in different roles and see how they respond. It should be a great day."

Clemson will host some of the top junior talent, as well has several highly regarded sophomores and freshmen.

Let’s start with those that have already signed or committed. 2016 signees – defensive end Xavier Kelly, wide receivers Cornell Powell and Diondre Overton, offensive linemen John Simpson and Chandler Reeves, running back Tavien Feaster and defensive backs Trayvon Mullen, K’Von Wallace and Isaiah Simmons – will all be on hand to get a look at their future teammates.

Committed prospects – Loganville (GA) Grayson quarterback Chase Brice, Knoxville (TN) Catholic wide receiver Amari Rodgers and Citra (FL) North Marion offensive lineman Blake Vinson – will represent the 2017 class at Saturday’s game.

Swinney and staff will host a pair of Paramus (NJ) teammates for the second time this spring as 4-star linebacker Drew Singleton and 4-star defensive tackles Corey Bolds will spend the entire weekend in Clemson. Singleton has been high on Clemson since his first visit and sentiment holds that it will come down to the Tigers and Michigan when he’s ready to make a decision.

Lawrenceville (GA) Archer 4-star defensive back Jamyest Williams will make another return trip to Clemson, as well. Williams has held Clemson at or near the top of his list since the Tigers offered, and they figure to stay there for the duration.

Justin Mascoll out Snellville (GA) South Gwinnett, the nation's top weakside defensive end for 2018, announced Friday morning that he will attend the annual spring game.

Clemson will also play host to several of the state’s top 2018 prospects including legacy defensive end Stephon Wynn, Jr., quarterback Dakereon Joyner and 4-star defensive end Xavier Thomas.

Another interesting 2018 visitor is running back Devon Lawrence, younger brother of freshman defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.

2016 SIGNEES

Tavien Feaster, running back, Spartanburg (SC)

Xavier Kelly, defensive end, Wichita (KS) East

Trayvon Mullen, defensive back, Coconut Creek (FL)

Diondre Overton, wide receiver, Greensboro (NC) Page

Cornell Powell, wide receiver, Greenville (NC) Rose

Chandler Reeves, offensive lineman, McDonough (GA) Eagles Landing

Isaiah Simmons, defensive back, Olathe (KS) Olathe North

John Simpson, offensive lineman, North Charleston (SC) Fort Dorchester

K’Von Wallace, defensive back, Highland Springs (VA)

2017 COMMITS