Team Recruiting Countdown: No. 9 Clemson Tigers

No. 9 Clemson Tigers (ACC No. 2)

2008 Haul: 26 signees, 4 Athlon Consensus 100

Scouting Report:

When Tommy Bowden and staff sat down last season and pinpointed their top recruiting targets for the 2008 class, a defensive end from Bamberg, S.C. was likely the name at the top of the board. DaQuan Bowers is the top defensive prospect in the nation, trailing only Terrelle Pryor and Julio Jones in the Athlon Consensus 100. The Tigers got their guy and he is the cornerstone of this great Clemson class.

It seems every off-season Clemson loses four offensive lineman to graduation. The Tigers had to replace four starters heading into the ’07 season and have again lost four senior lineman. Tommy Bowden did a great job of adding depth to the offensive line landing four talented blockers. In-state, he landed the big Kenneth Page (Columbia, S.C.) and Dalton Freeman (Pelion, S.C.). He also dipped into the heart of Crimson Tide country and snagged Antoine McClain (Anniston, Ala.). McClain is a versatile prospect that could play anywhere along the line and is best of the group.

This 2008 class is balanced with solid talent at nearly every position. The Tigers did not land a large number of any one position (defensive back had the most) but the ones they did get are of high quality.

The offensive skill position players really illustrate this point. Clemson landed two quarterbacks but Kyle Parker (Jacksonville, Fla.) – a Todd Reesing look-a-like – will challenge Willy Korn for playing time once Cullen Harper departs.

Only two running backs are headed to Clemson but both are wonderfully talented. Jamie Harper (Jacksonville, Fla.) is the No. 3 running back prospect in the nation and Andre Ellington (Moncks Corner, S.C.) showed great speed and open field agility at the Under Armour Classic. These two will be the next James Davis-C.J. Spiller combo out of the backfield.

The pass catching recruits are the same story. Only two wide receivers and one tight end head to Death Valley in ’08 but they are good. Brandon Ford (Hanahan, S.C) and Marquan Jones (Blythewood, S.C.) will pick up where Aaron Kelly and Jacoby Ford leave off. Dwayne Allen (Fayetteville, N.C.) will be a great all-around tight end. Clemson stole Allen away from Georgia shortly before Signing Day.

If there is one position that Clemson made sure to add depth to, it was the defensive backfield. The Tigers landed five prospects including star safety Spencer Adams (Matthews, N.C.) and sleeper corner Xavier Brewer (Jacksonville, Fla.).

The Tigers also lose two starting linebackers in Nick Watkins and Tremaine Billie. Jonathan Willard (Loris, S.C.), Tarik Rollins (Hollywood, Fla.) and Stanley Hunter (Duncan, S.C.) will add needed depth to the linebacking corp.

Sitting right next to the state of Georgia and within a few hours from Florida, Clemson has some nice built in recruiting territories. The Tiger staff certainly did well in the surrounding areas landing nine kids from Florida and three from Georgia. The Jacksonville area was particularly kind to Clemson, sending five prospects from the city to the ACC program.

Bowden also took advantage of a strong year in-state and landed 10 home grown prospects including big names like Bowers, Page, Ford and Ellington.

Top Prospect: DaQuan Bowers – DE – Bamberg, S.C. (6-4, 260) AC100 No. 4

The big defensive end is lightning quick off the snap. When he fires off low he gets so much momentum around the corner it is incredibly hard to keep him out of the backfield. He also has a strong motor and never stops attacking. His game is very loud — a nice way to say he destroys people.

He could use some work on his technique when playing with a lot of debris at his feet. If offensive lines are smart they will attack his legs. He can be overpowered on the end by bigger offensive tackles. Added weight will help remedy this. He is such an incredible athlete that, with strong coaching, Bowers could be the next in a run of great defensive end prospects at Clemson (Gaines Adams, Phillip Merling etc.)

Bowers, with weight, could end up inside at tackle also. With a 25-30 pound bump, he would be a dynamic tackle prospect who could play all three downs.

Best of the Rest:

Jamie Harper – RB – Jacksonville, Fla. (6-0, 215) AC100 No. 49
Brandon Thompson – DT – Thomasville, Ga. (6-2, 295) AC100 No. 81
Antoine McClain – OL – Anniston, Ala. (6-6, 320) AC100 No. 93
Andre Ellington – RB – Moncks Corner, S.C. (5-10, 175)
Dwayne Allen – TE – Fayetteville, N.C. (6-4, 245)
Kyle Parker – QB – Jacksonville, Fla. (6-0, 195)
Spencer Adams – S – Matthews, N.C. (6-2, 190)
Kenneth Page – OL – Columbia, S.C. (6-4, 290)
Brandon Ford – WR – Hanahan, S.C. (6-4, 208)
Dalton Freeman – OL – Pelion, S.C. (6-6, 280)

Sleeper: Xavier Brewer – CB – Jacksonville, Fla. (5-10, 175)

Aggressive. That is the best term used to describe Xavier Brewer. He plays a fast, attacking style of football. He shows great quickness and fluidity, especially getting into and out of his breaks. He has all the tools to be a lockdown corner but what makes Brewer special is his ability to play the run. He fills hard and with complete disregard for his body.

2008 Sleepers

The term role player has long been regarded as one with negative connotations. On a basketball court, it’s a scrappy, less-talented ball player who can do a little bit of everything. On a baseball diamond, it’s the utility infielder who will play any position you ask him to.

In recruiting classes, the “role players” can end up being stars.

Yes, the top-notch, five-star type players are needed if one expects to win a national championship in college football these days. But staying competitive in today’s NCAA landscape means developing talent better than the next guy. That is where the two-and three-star players come in. They are the underlying foundation of depth on conference championship teams.

Just ask Oklahoma, Ohio State, Alabama, West Virginia or Wisconsin.



The Buckeyes and Crimson Tide both had linebackers recently who were not only high draft picks but are now NFL stars: A.J. Hawk and DeMeco Ryans. Both were three-star prospects coming out of high school.

Oklahoma’s record-setting freshman quarterback, Sam Bradford, was not a big-time recruit.

Pat White and Steve Slaton were both asked to play other positions – by LSU and Maryland respectively –  coming out of high school until Rich Rodriguez and WVU gave them a shot in the backfield. Next season, White is likely to become the NCAA’s all-time leading rusher from the quarterback position.

Wisconsin’s bruising tailback P.J. Hill was a two-star fullback and nine defensive starters for the Badgers were ranked three-stars or lower coming out of the prep ranks.

So who are those sleepers this season? Here are some mid-level prospects who might have a chance at being stars for their school of choice:

Darius Ashley        Cincinnati, OH    RB    5’9” 190    Louisville

This kid also was the leader and main factor on a state championship football team. This was the highest division of play in Ohio, though, so no small feat. He is tough. He is fast and he wins. Steve Kragthorpe and company got a nice player in Ashley.

Willie Bohannon        Mobile, AL        DE    6’3” 240    Tennessee

Bohannon has the size/speed combination that is so valuable to defensive coordinators. He has great pass rush ability as well as lateral quickness in the run game. He played very physical football in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic. Now all John Chavis has to figure out is where to play him.

Cody Bruns            Prosser, WA        WR    5’11” 185    Washington

This little over-achiever is going to be a great receiving option for Husky quarterback Jake Locker. He is just a bit too short and just a bit too slow, right? Well, Bruns simply gets the job done. He set national high school career receiving records with 304 career receptions for 5,080 yards and 72 touchdowns. He is too smart a player not to be successful.

Alfred Jenkins        Jacksonville, FL    WR    6’ 178        Illinois

There is no secret that freshmen will be given the shot to play at Illinois. Jenkins is no exception. He has great speed and will make things happen with the ball in his hands. Juice Williams will need another receiving option next season across from Arrelious Benn, and Jenkins could be the guy.

Wes Kemp            St. Louis, MO    WR    6’4” 226    Missouri

Originally headed to Wisconsin, Kemp recently switched to the Tigers. He might be moved to tight end, and in Gary Pinkel’s system, he is a perfect fit. His size and athleticism make him an ideal piece to the Pinkel offensive puzzle. He will be a faster, slightly smaller version of Martin Rucker.

D’anton Lynn        Celina, TX        S    6’1” 180    Penn State

Penn State dipped into Texas to pull an underrated defensive back prospect. Lynn will be very good against the run. His aggressive, attacking style of play allows him to play down in the box. His speed and athleticism give him the ability to play sideline-to-sideline.

Kyle Parker            Jacksonville, FL    QB    6’ 192”    Clemson

This Todd Reesing look-alike played very well at the Under Armour All-American Game. He has such a natural feel for the game, that it might be hard to keep him off the field. He goes through his progressions very quickly and accurately. Watch out Willy Korn!

Curt Phillips            Kingsport, TN    QB    6’3” 218    Wisconsin

This kid is the complete package of physical ability at the quarterback position. He has nice height and a well-built, muscular frame. His arm strength is more than adequate. It is his athleticism that makes him so intriguing. He has the ability to be a run option from out of the backfield. Phillips gained 9,206 total yards and was responsible for 115 touchdowns over three seasons.

James Vandenberg        Keokuk, IA        QB    6’2” 185    Iowa

Vandenberg leaves Keokuk High with almost sole possession of the Iowa state passing record book. He also led his team to the 3A state championship. On film, he shows nice footwork and nice fundamentals. He is productive, he is a winner and he has nice technique. That is all I need to know.

Rod Wilks            Smyrna, TN        WR    6’2” 205    Tennessee

Wilks has been compared to Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals. He is not quite that physically gifted but he certainly plays a similar brand of football. In fact, Wilks might even be a touch faster than Mr. Fitzgerald. He likes the contact and will make the tough catch. Wilks will be a playmaker in Knoxville.

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Here are some guys who are not so much sleepers as they are underrated. These five names are all outside of the top-125 in the Athlon Consensus 100, but all should be in the top-100.

Nick Cody            Brush Prairie, WA    OL    6’5” 290    Oregon

This young offensive tackle may be the most underrated prospect in the nation. Cody has a great story and a great head on his shoulders. He is a well-grounded, hard-working mauler along the offensive line. He looks to bury defenders on every play and with his size could be an all-Pac-10 type player. I had a chance to interview him during his live commitment.

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Jarmon Fortson        Columbus, GA    WR    6’3” 218    Florida State

Fortson put on a show in the Georgia Dome during the 3A state semi-finals. He led his team to 20 unanswered points in the final six minutes of play to pull off the miraculous comeback 26-24. He made spectacular catch after spectacular catch. The big, physical receiver will be a threat in all levels of the passing game.

Max Tuioti-Mariner        Corona, CA        OL    6’4” 300    Colorado

This kid is a beast. He, like Cody, looks to bury defenders on every play. It is this killer instinct that transforms physically limited solid players into all-conference type bruisers. Stick him next to true freshman starter Ryan Miller and the left side of the Colorado offensive line is set for years to come.

Darron Thomas        Aldine, TX        ATH    6’4” 205    Oregon

The Ducks are getting a dynamic playmaker in Mr. Thomas. He has lightning-quick footwork and his acceleration is second to none. I would like to see him get a shot at quarterback as the Chip Kelly system would fit his skills perfectly. He does lack the arm strength coaches like, but he has good touch and accuracy.

MarQueis Gray        Indianapolis, IN    QB    6’4” 220    Minnesota

Arguably the second-best dual-threat quarterback behind Terrelle Pryor, Gray is a dynamic playmaker. This kid has the speed to get downfield in a hurry. He will be a great fit in the spread offense that Tim Brewster is trying to install. He has great acceleration, size and arm strength. Gray is a much more polished passer than a guy like Darron Thomas.

Alabama Crimson Tide: 2008 Recruiting Champions

The phrase “Roll Tide” has never been more appropriate than today. After a very late flurry on the part of Nick Saban and his staff -- including landing six prospects in the last week -- congratulations are due to the Alabama Crimson Tide and their 2008 Athlon Sports Recruiting National Championship.

This whole process started back in February of 2007 when Reform, AL defensive end Michael Williams became the first to join the Crimson Tide’s 2008 class. Nearly one full year later, the reform was complete at 3 pm ET today when Gadsden, AL linebacker Jerrell Harris announced his intentions to play for Alabama.

In between, 30 prospects decided that Tuscaloosa would be where they would play their college ball. This class is easily the most balanced class in the nation but it really begins and ends with one young wide receiver from Foley, Alabama: Julio Jones. Jones, No. 2 in the AC100, is a mythical blend of size, speed, toughness and natural instincts. He has a chance to be an immediate impact threat on the outside.

Jones is not the only playmaker in this class, though. Burton Scott, Mark Barron, Mark Ingram and Chris Jordan all have the ability to make things happen with the ball in their hands. All four are listed as athletes and could make instant impacts at a number of positions.

More importantly for Tide fans, however, was the excellent job Nick Saban did addressing the obvious lack of talent in the defensive front seven. Potentially five linebackers (including the incredibly talented Harris), four defensive tackles and five defensive ends clearly add needed depth to the defensive front for Kevin Steele and Co.

Saban and Steele did not stop there. They also landed four, possibly five, defensive backs. With names like Alonzo Lawrence – who actually shut down Julio Jones in the Ala-Miss All-Star Classic – and Robby Green, the Tide did a masterful job of reaching into surrounding states and pulling talent. Green is from Louisiana and Lawrence hails from Mississippi.

Last but certainly not least is the new star quarterback, literally. Lake Worth, Florida product Star Jackson signed his letter of intent today to play for Alabama. Jackson is a 6-3, 190 pound scrambling dynamo that could find himself pushing John Parker Wilson for the starting job.


Signing Day Winners:

Clemson Tigers

The Tigers had a great day today, closing very strong with some expected names and a few surprises. Jacksonville running back Jamie Harper is an outstanding prospect and will likely continue the recent trend of very talented ball carriers for Clemson. They also added a big offensive lineman from Alabama in Antoine McClain. Tommy Bowden was not satisfied, however, as he dipped in the Georgia Bulldogs’ class and stole tight end Dwayne Allen from Mark Richt and Co.

Arkansas Razorbacks

Bobby Petrino is known for his offensive prowess and he made strong moves on signing day to ensure that there will be firepower in Fayetteville. Already with top in-state runner DeAnthony Curtis in the fold, Petrino stole two other talented prospects that could help rebuild his offense. Jerico Nelson, formerly a Purdue commit, and Joe Adams, formerly a USC Trojan pledge, both switched today and are headed to Arkansas.

North Carolina Tar Heels

Last season Butch davis did a masterful job of putting together a crazy talented recruiting class. Until today, the 2008 version could have been considered a complete bust. Snagging four very talented kids – Christian Wilson, Robert Quinn, Herman Davidson and Quinton Coples -- really boosted an average class today.

Miami Hurricanes

The flag planting that was south Florida recruiting this season for the Hurricanes came to fruition today. Lineman Ben Jones and wide receiver Tommy Streeter completed the sweep of Miami-Northwestern High, giving Randy Shannon seven signees from one local high school. They were not done, however. The U also landed arguably the most ready-to-play corner in the nation, Brandon Harris, and then stuck it to Urban Meyer and the Gators when they stole back Ramon “Cookie” Buchanan. Cookie had been committed to Miami, then switched to Florida before finally signing with the Hurricanes.

Losers:

Anyone involved in the Terrelle Pryor sweepstakes not named Oregon

The most important letter of intent still remains unsigned. Jeannette, PA quarterback Terrelle Pryor held his noon press conference today just as he planned, but it left everyone wanting more. He announced today that he was not ready to announce. A supposed trip out west to Eugene and the Oregon Duck campus is in the works for this weekend. This is not good news for Ohio St, Michigan and Penn State who all felt they had a chance at the record-breaking athlete. Ohio State is still the team to beat but the Pryor saga will continue for a few more days… at least.

Purdue Boilermakers

It has been a rough couple of weeks for Joe Tiller’s program. Arguably the top two prospects in their class jumped ship today. Wide receiver Roy Roundtree and athlete Jerico Nelson both made 13th hour switches and headed elsewhere. The hits just keep on coming for a coach who was basically told that he is finished after this season.

The Big East

With the obvious exception of Pittsburgh, every team in the Big East underachieved in recruiting this season. Cincinnati could not capitalize on success during the season, nor could UConn The big three -- WVU, Rutgers, and Louisville – didn’t come close. WVU lost nearly every top prospect (although they did get good news with Josh Jenkins’s commitment today) once Rich Rodriguez left for Michigan. Rutgers lost most of the top in-state talent to bigger, more prestigious programs. Louisville’s class is loaded with JUCO talent, which can be a very dangerous proposition.

Auburn Tigers

This one is more of a compilation of issues. Five-star running back Enrique Davis, who signed with Auburn last season, scorned the Tigers for divisional rival Ole Miss. Not only that but new offensive coordinator Tony Franklin lost out on one his would-be future weapons in Jarmon Fortson. He signed with Florida State today and will be a star in Tallahassee. Last but not least is the story written above: the Crimson Tide dominated inside the state this year, landing nearly every major prospect in Alabama.

Clemson Dominates on Signing Day

Clemson has made a wonderful push for the top classin the ACC - in fact if Miami hadnt made a similar push they might have just passed them for tops in the ACC. But with Jacksonville, FL running back Jamie Harper and Anniston, AL offesnive lineman Antoine McClain, this class is turning inot one of the best in the nation.

I love Jamie Harper. I think he is the No. 3 RB in the nation.

There might not be a running back in the nation with Harper’s skill set. He is too quick and elusive to be considered a power back, but that is his style of play. He is very physical, playing behind his pads with textbook precision. He will hit most holes with low, square pad level and deliver the blow as he falls forward. He will pick up the tough yards.

At almost 220 pounds, Harper shows the ability to maneuver in small spaces, run away from defenders and impact the passing game in a way no power back can. He is surprisingly light on his feet and shows remarkable quickness in the open field for a prospect of his size. Harper is the most polished pass catcher from the pure running back position.

Oregon’s Jonathan Stewart is a solid comparison. Harper’s one area of weakness is his top-end speed. Stewart returns kicks for the Ducks; Harper does not have burner speed like that. Otherwise, Harper is a four-down running back and will be used in 3rd-and-long, as well as along the goal line.
Harper is an outstanding prospect and has NFL stamped on his forehead.

McClain is a solid pick-up as well.

What is scary about how big McClain is that he will get bigger. His massive 300-plus pound frame actually affords him room to grow. His size and power are two of his main strengths. Once this young lineman gets his hands on defenders they normally go for a ride. His solid hand technique and quick feet allow him to swing and move well once engaged with defenders.

His motor is always running, as are his feet. He carries his weight well using those active feet to recover nicely from mistakes. Those mistakes come primarily with speedy edge pass-rushers. He has trouble opening his stance up and giving the outside to defensive ends.

One great thing about McClain’s weaknesses is that there is a concerted effort on his part to address mistakes. This means he is studying his game and working hard to improve.

Oh yeah, and the Tigers stole a really nice tight end prospect from Tight End-U in Georgia's Dwayne Allen. Just a great day for the Clemson Tigers.

Early Theme in Signing Day: SWITCHES

Florida has already lost two prospects in LB/S Ramon Buchanan and C Ricky Barnum.

Now Auburn has lost one of its top playmakers: wide receiver Jarmon Fortson from Columbus, GA has signed with FSU. Fortson is a great looking pass catcher. He is built like a tank and had a stellar performance in the Georgia Dome in the state semis this season. Auburn will miss Mr. Fortson.

It does not end there, however. Georgia lost one its top players in tight end Dwayne Allen. Allen signed with the Clemson Tigers.

That is four top SEC targets that have left the league.

Purdue also lost one of its top targets too. Troutwood, OH wide receiver Ray Roundtree signed today with the Michigan Wolverines. Rich Rod and Co. are making a very strong push on Signing Day.

Signing Day Watch List:

There will be fans of every school in America wasting many man (or woman) hours at the office Wednesday.

That is because tomorrow is college football’s National Signing Day. It is the first opportunity for head coaches to officially claim players as their own. It is also the first time head coaches can publicly comment on recruits.

Needless to say, it is an exciting time for everyone involved. Fans, coaches, players and recruiting junkies everywhere will be glued to a medium of choice waiting for those faxed letters of intent to come in.

This season, more so than in recent years, the names left yet to commit are extraordinarily talented. The top quarterback, running back and wide receiver have yet to pick a school. The 2008 recruiting national championship, very much so, still hangs in the balance.

The big three are obvious:

Terrelle Pryor - QB - Jeannette, PA
Finalists: OSU, Michigan, Oregon, Florida, LSU, PSU
Prediction: if it happens tomorrow...OHIO STATE

Julio Jones - WR - Foley, AL
Finalists: Alabama, FSU, Florida, Oklahoma, Texas Tech
Prediction: ALABAMA

Darrell Scott - RB - Ventura, CA
Finalists: Colorado, Texas
Prediction: COLORADO

Pryor is set to announce on ESPNU at 12:05 pm ET. Pryor has hinted at taking a visit to Oregon this upcoming weekend, which would push back his announcement past Signing Day. Jones is set to announce at 12:30 pm ET on ESPNU. Scott is set to announce at 12:50 pm ET on ESPNU.

Here is a list of some of the other big names announcing Wednesday, my prediction is in bold:

E.J. Abrams-Ward - ATH - Thomasville, NC
Finalists: Tennessee, North Carolina

Aaron Boyd - WR - Lexington, KY (10:30 am)
Finalists: Kentucky, Oregon

T.J. Bryant - CB - Tallahassee, FL
Finalists: USC, FSU, Miami, Florida, Alabama, LSU

Quinton Coples - DE - Chatham, VA (10:45 am)
Finalists: North Carolina, Tenn, NC St, FSU

Enrique Davis - RB - Chatham, VA
Finalists: Maryland, Oregon, Auburn, Ole Miss, Tenn

Roderick Davis - DT - Aldine, TX
Finalists: Texas A&M, Texas, Florida

J.B. Fitzgerald - LB - Princeton Junction, NJ
Finalists: Michigan, Rutgers

Jarmon Fortson - ATH - Columbus, GA (12:45 pm)
Finalists: Florida St, Auburn

Jamie Harper - RB - Jacksonville, FL (12:20 pm)
Finalists: Clemson, FSU, Florida, Miami

Brandon Harris - CB - Miami, FL
Finalists: Florida, Miami, Ohio State

Jerrell Harris - LB - Gadsden, AL (3 pm)
Finalists: Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Tenn, USC

Josh Jenkins - G - Vienna, WV (9 am)
Finalists: Ohio St, WVU, Florida State

Ben Jones - OL - Miami, FL
Finalists: Clemson, Miami

Datone Jones - DE - Compton, CA
Finalists: Oregon, UCLA

T.J. Lawrence - WR - Lakeland, FL
Finalists: S. Car, Va. Tech, Florida, Michigan

Antoine McClain - OL - Anniston, AL
Finalists: Tenn, LSU, Clemson

Charles Mitchell - S - Clarksdale, MS
Finalists: Southern Miss, Nebraska, Miss St

Nick Perry - DE - Detroit, MI (3 pm)
Finalists: Michigan, USC, Mich St, Miami

Robert Quinn - DE - North Charleston, SC (10:30 am)
Finalists: Auburn, Alabama, North Carolina

Hamani Stevens - C - Hemet, CA (3 pm)
Finalists: UCLA, BYU, Oregon

Tommy Streeter - WR - Miami, FL
Finalists: Miami, Oregon, S. Car, USF

Note: Time = Player's expected announcement. All times Eastern.

Athlon Sports National Recruiting Blitz

This week's edition of the Athlon Sports National Recruiting Blitz is listed up on the site on the Athlon Sports Podcasts page.

Or you can click here to listen:

AS National Recruiting Blitz

Mitch and I break down the top-20 prospects in the Athlon Consensus 100.

The Gators are the hottest team in the nation and are pushing for the No. 1 spot.
David Cutcliffe and Duke got their QB of the future.
Can Texas Tech salvages their class.
Clemson is closing strong.
Houston Nutt and Ole Miss is looking in familiar places for talent.
USC is still waiting on some really talented kids.

We also break down all the coverage Athlon will be providing during Signing Day Week 2008. Included is a LIVE CHAT AT ATHLONSPORTS.com from 1-2 pm ET on Signing Day.

All this and more on the Athlon Sports National Recruiting Blitz.

Don't forget about Athlon's free recruiting forum. Sign up is free and I am there everyday talking recruiting.

Athlon Sports Recruiting Message Board

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

Early Enrollee Tracker:

As time progresses, the list of spring enrollments will get larger and larger. In this first edition of the Early Enrollee Tracker, three southern powers, the Oregon Ducks, Sly Croom and Mack Brown will be reaping the benefits of kids getting into school early. Learning the campus, getting used to the schedule and starting a college level weight program all will dramatically aid in developing prospects.


Clemson Tigers:

DaQuan Bowers - DE - Bamberg, SC
Kyle Parker - QB - Jacksonville, FL
Tarik Rollins - LB - Hollywood, FL
Spencer Benton - K - Myrtle Beach, SC
Stanley Hunter - Duncan, SC (2007 signee)

Clemson has to be happy to see Bowers and Parker show up early. Parker, a quarterback, can never work too much on his game and Bowers is arguably the best defensive prospect in the entire nation. This Clemson team should already be really good next season, adding Bowers could make this defense very dangerous.


Florida State Seminoles:

Nigel Bradham - LB - Crawfordville, FL
Terrance Parks - CB - Creekside, GA
Vincent Williams - LB - Davenport, FL

FSU DC Mickey Andrews should be happy to see these three prospects step on campus early this spring. Like Bowers at defensive end, Bradham is arguably the best as his position nationally. Parks is also a very solid prospect.


Florida Gators:

Janoris Jenkins - CB - Pahokee, FL
Brendan Beal - LB - Bethlehem, PA
Matt Patchan - OT - Tampa, FL
Jeremy Brown - CB - Orlando, FL
Earl Okine - DE - Gainesville, FL
Caleb Sturgis - K - St. Augustine, FL

Florida's group is sick. Jenkins, Beal and Patchan are all top-100 type players. Beal and Patchan are both in the top-50 of the Athlon Consensus 100. They also enroll the top offensive JUCO player in the nation, 6-4, 220-pound wide receiver Carl Moore.

JUCOS:
Carl Moore - WR - Roseville, CA
Troy Epps - DT - Union, SC


Oregon Ducks:

The Ducks bring in one of my favorite players in the nation: Darron Thomas. Thomas is a lighting quick Dennis Dixon clone with 20 more pounds of weight. Among the other early signees/enrollees are three JUCO kids as well. Bruising running back LaGarrette Blount could be an immediate fix to a running game that could lose Jonathan Stewart. Don't let Blount's power and size fool you, he can really move well in space too. Blount decommitted from FSU and signed with Oregon on JUCO Signing Day.

Darron Thomas - QB/ATH - Aldine, TX
John Boyatt - S - Napa, CA
Carson York - OL - Coeur d’Alene, ID

JUCO signees:
LaGarrett Blount - RB - Perry, FL
Lonnell Rice - DT - Palm Desert, CA
Justin Thompson - DT - Los Angeles, CA

Texas Longhorns:

Dan Buckner - WR - Allen, TX
Mark Buchanan - OL - Austin, TX
Tre Newton - RB - Southlake, TX
David Snow - OL - Gilmer, TX
Dravannti Johnson - Nederland, TX
Brock Fitzhenry - WR - Giddings, TX
Blake Gideon - S - Leander, TX
Justin Tucker - K - Austin, TX

Just another huge group of early enrollees. Buckner had a nice game in San Antonio in the U.S. Army AA Bowl. Snow, Buchanan, Newton and Johnson are all promising prospects.


Mississippi State Bulldogs:

Phillip Freeman - OT - Wesson, MS (JUCO)
O'Neal Wilder - WR - Carthage, MS (2007)
Mike Hunt - S - Meadville, MS (2007)
Nelson Hurst - TE - Plainfield, IN

Hurst is technically the only actual early enrollee but I am sure that Sly is happy to have them on campus this spring.

Stayed tuned to The Unofficial Visitor for more of the Early Enrollee Tracker.

Athlon Sports National Recruiting Blitz

This week's edition of the Athlon Sports National Recruiting Blitz is up on the site...

Athlon Sports Podcasts

Mitch Light and I break down prospects 61-80 from the Athlon Consensus 100 as well as give our analysis of all the high school all-star games. Florida, Clemson, Miami, Minnesota and Oregon all came up in discussion also.

National Recruiting Blitz

Huge Weekend for Clemson

Tommy Bowden and the Clemson Tigers have a huge list of uncommitted prospects visiting campus this weekend. With Miami and Florida St basically dominating the ACC in the world of recruiting, Clemson and Va. Tech are left to battle for third.

The Hokies landed big time running back prospect Ryan Williams over the weekend bumping them into that third place slot in the ACC. If Clemson can make some hay over the weekend they would not only jump Va. Tech in the ACC but might even get themselves into the top-10 nationally.

This list of prospects visiting Clemson this weekend is staggering. Yes, 25 committed kids will be there. That is not what is impressive. Its the chance to get officials from some of the top ranked uncommitted kids in the nation that is really eye catching.

The group of offensive lineman is particularly impressive:
Kenneth Page - Flora, SC
Ben Jones - Miami, FL
A.J. Harmon - Louisville, GA
Antoine McClain - Anniston, AL
R.J. Mattes - Concord, NC
Brandon Washington - Miami, FL

Harmon recently committed to UGA after being a Clemson pledge. The huge visit weekend does not end along the offensive line though.

Jerrell Harris, a missile of a linebacker from Gadsden, AL is one of the top linebackers in the south yet to pick a school. One of the south's top uncommitted running backs, Jamie Harper will also be paying Bowden a visit. Clemson is also bringing in a trio of defensive back prospects too.

To a class that already has arguably the nation's best defensive prospect in Bamberg's DaQuan Bowers, two or three commitments this weekend would probably put Clemson right in the race for the ACC crown. Quarterback prospect Kyle Parker played very well this weekend at the Under Armor AA game. Andre Ellington also showed some wiggle and burst in Orlando.

Ideally, Clemson would like to add at least one more o-lineman, one more RB and probably one more d-lineman. They currently sit at 19 commitments and will max out at 26.

If they were to add Harris, Harper and one offensive lineman, Clemson would find itself in the top-10 nationally. They would also be giving Miami and Florida St a run at the top class in the ACC.

Photo by Athlon Sports

National Recruiting Blitz: 12.18.07

This week's national recruiting blitz is up on the site.

AthlonSports.com

This week I am joined by Gary Ferman of CaneSport.com.

Ferman breaks down the Arthur Brown commitment. Tells us where Patrick Johnson and Matt Patchan will be headed. And dissects the Northwestern-7.

The Shrine Bowl, Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic, Trevor Robinson and much more!!

Athlon Sports Recruiting Blitz 12.18.07