Big Weekend Ahead

by Trey Manning - Correspondent - Thu Jan 13 23:19:56 GMT-04:00 2005

The second weekend in January is normally the weekend Clemson tries to make some serious strides in recruiting. Even though the Tigers bring 23 commitments into the weekend, there is still some key areas that need to be addressed. First and foremost, the staff will try and wow running backs James and Mike Davis.

James is considering Clemson, Virginia Tech, and Alabama. This will be the last official visit he will take. Running backs coach Burton Burns has done a tremendous job recruiting James since the very beginning, and is one of the main reasons Clemson still has a shot. He has gone on record with us several times stating that very fact. What will be the determining factor for Clemson may be on the shoulders of new offensive coordinator Rob Spence. If Spence can convince Davis, that Clemson is going to be dedicated to running the football then Clemson’s chances greatly improve.

Mike Davis may be a slight Clemson lean coming into the weekend. He is also considering Kentucky, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Coach Brad Scott has done a good job of recruiting Davis, but the week of the Shrine Bowl appears to had a great affect on him. There was six Clemson commitments at the Shrine Bowl, and they all targeted Davis. It was evident by the end of the week that Davis had definitely warmed up to Clemson. A decision is not likely this weekend for either back, but we should definitely have a clearer picture of where Clemson stands.

Jamie Robinson and Chris Chancellor will also be key visits this weekend. Robinson will still take his official visit to Virginia Tech on January 21, then he will make a decision. Chancellor may go to Florida next weekend, but there is a possibility Clemson could be the last visit. Florida State may lead with Robinson and Chancellor coming into the weekend, but Coach David Blackwell may pull out the stops for these two top rated corners.

Hivera Green, the top defensive lineman in South Carolina, will be coming in this weekend. Many believe Clemson is the leader coming into the weekend, but Green maintains everything is all even. Green had a good official visit with South Carolina last week, and will visit Virginia Tech on January 28. Green is an impact player on the defensive line. Dabo Swinney will try and land his 11th commitment for the 2005 class with Green.

Derrick Mcphearson, Kalvin Baker, and Larry Cox are uncommitted players that are also coming in this weekend. Cox may have some work to do academics wise, but Clemson may have the edge to place him. Baker and Mcphearson are both committed to Florida, and we feel it will be difficult for Clemson to turn them.

This weekend will be very key to the Tigers success come Signing Day. We will keep you informed on all the visits as news comes in on Sunday.