“Clemson is coming.”
Those were the words that the No. 1 outside linebacker prospect in the nation, Wadesboro (Anson) N.C.’s Stephone Anthony, uttered to a national television audience after he pulled a Clemson hat out of a bag, signifying that he had picked the Tigers over Virginia Tech and North Carolina.
Anthony (6-2, 220) announced at his high school on Wednesday morning, and his commitment means the Tigers not only have the No.1 OLB prospect, but also the No. 1 ILB prospect after Tony Steward of St. Augustine, Fla., picked the Tigers over Florida St. earlier this morning.
Lateek Townsend of Marlboro County is also the No. 5-rated OLB prospect by ESPN, so the Tiger defense is getting help for a unit that desperately needs it.
Anthony said his official visit to Clemson a two weekends ago put the Tigers over the top.
“When I went down there for my official visit, it went really, really well,” Anthony said. “Coach Steele (defensive coordinator Kevin Steele) is a great coach, and it’s a school and defense that fits me. This is a great opportunity.”
Anthony said he was pleased to be a part of a Clemson recruiting class that also includes the No. 1 and No. 4 wide receivers (Charone Peake and Sammy Watkins).
“This is a great class. Clemson is coming.”
Anthony said that he didn’t find out about the Steward signing until he arrived at school this morning.