5-star WR commits to Clemson

by Brandon Rink - Staff Writer - Sat Apr 14 10:42:30 GMT-04:00 2018

Frank Ladson - Wide Receiver
TigerNet: (4.72)

Height: 6-3 Weight: 190 Hometown: Miami, FL (South Dade HS) Class: 2019

ESPN:

#38 Overall, #5 WR, #4 FL

Rivals:

#56 Overall, #8 WR, #9 FL

24/7:

#65 Overall, #9 WR, #8 FL

WRU added another member Saturday.

247Sports Composite 5-star wide receiver Frank Ladson (Miami, Fla.) announced a Clemson pledge while in town for the Tigers’ spring game.

Ladson explained his decision-making in a lengthy social media post announcing the commitment.

"A wise person once told me that committing to a college football team is like committing marriage," Ladson posted. "When people commit to marriage, they vow to be devoted, loyal, and fair to one another...so although the nature of the two are not the same, the meaning of the word 'commitment' holds the same weight. In marriage, people pledge to put in as much time and energy it takes to grow and develop not only their relationship, but each other... in this way, coaches pledge to one another. Up to this point of my recruitment process, I have to say that I couldn't agree more. So for the next 3 to 4 years, I want to wear a jersey that represents everything that I am...and aspire to be. I want to be surrounded by people that will tend to the 34-year-old me, and not just the 17-year-old me.

"It is for these reasons that today, I am standing firm in my commitment to be a TIGER at Clemson University. Today, I am honored to be #ALLIN."

The 6-foot-4 target had been long trending Clemson’s way since decommiting from Florida in December, where Saturday was a second stop in 2018 after an Elite Junior Day visit in January.

He shot up the recruiting rankings as the attention turned to the 2019 class, cracking the top-10 overall on 247Sports as the No. 2-rated receiver there.

Ladson says Clemson has talked to him about using his track speed plus his height for a role as a field (‘2-man’) or boundary receiver (‘9-man’).

“My size, speed and advantage in one-on-one matchups make me a fit for that position,” he said of ‘field’ receiver. “Of course, I can go up and get the ball and high-point it.”

Ladson had a special message for the Clemson coaching staff after his commitment.

"To coach (Jeff) Scott, coach (Xavier) Dye, coach (Dabo) Swinney, and the rest of my Clemson family: Thank you all for the transparency and genuine love y'all have showed me and my family over the months. The consistency and sincerity displayed to us had made my decision easy, and I couldn't be MORE grateful for this opportunity of a lifetime!

"I look forward to continuing to make each of you proud both on and off the field."

Ladson posted 29 catches for 675 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns as a junior.

He is the highest-rated member of the Clemson 2019 class, joining 3-star receiver Brannon Spector (Calhoun HS) and 3-star tight end Jaelyn Lay (Riverdale HS) on the offensive side.

With Ladson's pledge and No. 1 QB Taisun Phommanchanh also committing Saturday, Clemson vaulted from 26th to 12th in 247Sports' team composite recruiting rankings with its seven-man class, as of Saturday afternoon.

#ALLIN #WRU #WE2DEEP19 ?? pic.twitter.com/c5aqwHSLjT
— Frank Ladson Jr.™ (@_FrankLadson) April 14, 2018

Shoutout to all the Clemson fans!! The love is real... our family hopes that y'all feel the same!! #ALLIN ?? @_FrankLadson pic.twitter.com/hUuk4NT8G0
— Vari (@PureHeartVari) April 14, 2018