Clemson Makes Stong Push

Clemson is very close to competing for the top class in the ACC. It will probably need some help down the stretch if Tommy Bowden expects to take that ACC recruiting crown. He made up a lot of ground this past week though.

AC Flora O-lineman Kenneth Page and Thomasville, GA defensive tackle Brandon Thompson have both ended their recruitment processes and committed to Clemson.

These are two very strong pick-ups for the Tigers. Thompson is probably the better prospect; he is ranked No. 86 in the first annual Athlon Consensus 100.

Thompson may have the body of a defensive tackle, but he certainly does not move like one. He has the quickness and athleticism of a defensive end. An unbelievably quick player off the snap of the ball, Thompson uses a nasty swim move to consistently get into the backfield. His athleticism affords him other options as well. He has already learned to get his hands up into passing lanes if he gets blocked. His leaping ability, for a man close to 300 pounds, is stunning. He will knock down a lot passes.

When Thompson stays focused on keeping his pads low off the snap, he is a monster. He just tends to lose that focus too often. There is a noted difference on film of when he is paying attention to it and when he is just “out-athlete-ing” everyone. As quick and explosive as he is up the field, he can show limited lateral movement at times. He will need to work on his hips. All and all, Thompson is a great prospect.

Page is a relatively smooth athlete for a kid his size. He plays with solid pad level and will get a strong push off the ball. He moves well in space and this likely will lead to him playing guard. His pass protection is not top tier tackle-esque and will need work. Again, this means guard is where Page ends up.

Both of these kids are really nice prospects and both really bolster an already solid class for Clemson - some of whom are already on campus. Little Kyle Parker had a great Under Armor Bowl and really improved his national stock. Wideout Marquan Jones is a burner and we all love the best defensive prospect in the nation DaQuan Bowers.

To me, this class hinges on greatness if Bowden can land Jacksonville running back Jamie Harper. He is an NFL talent, who I compare to Jonathan Stewart with a little less speed. He will make people forget about James Davis. Not that I don't like Davis, I just think Harper is that good.

Photos by Athlon Sports