Tiger Source Preview: Gardner's Cousin Is a Tiger

by Mickey Plyler - Radio Host - Mon Jul 12 01:15:35 GMT-04:00 2004

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Paul Muse

Jacksonville, FL (First Coast HS)

6-5, 245

The Clemson staff added their 5th commitment to the 2005 recruiting class and we had a chance to have a long chat with him late Friday night. Paul Muse from First Coast High School committed to the Tigers on Friday. It was third commitment this year for Coach Dabo Swinney joining Rendrick Taylor and Tyler Grisham.

After much speculation we were able to track down Muse. "I have committed to Clemson. I felt that it was time to end the recruiting process before my season started. Clemson was where I felt I needed to be. Everything felt right when I was there. Plus, my cousin played there."

Muse will have some pretty big shoes to fill considering his cousin was none other than Rod Gardner. He was a teammate of 2004 signee Brandon Croley. "I tried to get in touch with Brandon, but he didn't answer the phone."

He also played with Florida signee Mike McIntosh, and with his visit to Florida tomorrow, the similarities were beginning to be eerie, but that notion was put to rest. "I am sticking with my commitment to Clemson. Florida will be my last camp this summer, and Clemson will be the only official visit that I set up this year."

The Clemson camp really stood out for him when it came time to make his decision. "Coach Bowden pulled Ryan (Stamper) and I aside, and he made sure we knew we had an offer. There was a lot of talent out there, and for him to pull us aside like that, it really stuck out in my mind."

Ryan Stamper is a linebacker, who Clemson has near the top of their Linebacker board, that Muse would love to bring to Clemson with him. "Of course, I will try and talk to him about coming. He is a great teammate and a great player, but ultimately I will let him make his own decision."

Muse has already received his test score with a 20 on the ACT. He will play tight end for the Tigers, though he was also recruited as a defensive end. "I feel I can play early at tight end, and that is the position I feel more comfortable at."

First Coast is prepared for another big season. "We have a very experienced defense. Last year, we had the #1 defense in the city, but we beat ourselves a couple of games."

Muse will be on the Overdrive with Mickey Plyler on WCCP-FM 104.9 (wccpfm.com) Monday July 12 at 3:30.

Clemson Commitments

1. OL Barry Humphries 6-3, 291, 4.9 Belton-Honea Path (5/25)

2. WR Tyler Grisham 5-11, 185, 4.4 Hoover, AL (6/10)

3. WR Rendrick Taylor 6-2, 210, 4.4 Marlboro County (6/11)

4. RB Tony Nelson 5-10, 190, 4.45 Germantown, MD (6/20)

5. TE Paul Muse 6-5, 245 Jacksonville, FL (7/9)