Lawrence and Thomas are elite prospects for Clemson
Clemson makes ESPN 2018 top-10 recruiting ranking |
Clemson dropped one spot to No. 10 overall in
ESPN's latest 2018 recruiting class rankings released on Wednesday morning. Ahead of the Tigers' 11-commit class in the ranking are nine schools with at least 16 pledges, led by Ohio State (#16).
The Tigers have been as high as No. 4 in the rankings for this recruiting cycle but have not had any new commits since 4-star cornerback Kyler McMichael's commitment on June 23.
With top-rated defensive end Xavier Thomas and quarterback Trevor Lawrence on board, Clemson matches the Buckeyes in ESPN's 5-star commits and is one of three teams in the top-10 with at least one 5-star pledge (Penn State the other).
Seven future Tigers make up the ESPN300 with Thomas (No. 2 overall) and Lawrence (3) joined by defensive end Justin Mascoll (35), wide receiver Derion Kendrick (79), defensive tackle Josh Belk (84), cornerback Kyler McMichael (121) and linebacker Mike Jones Jr. (200).
Among conference opponents, Miami paces the group with 13 ESPN300s with 19 pledges. Florida State checks in at No. 9 with six ESPN300 commits and 17 total. Virginia Tech's 19-pledge class ranks 16th.
Clemson finished No. 10 in ESPN's 2017 class rankings last season.