In what can only go down as one of the best signing days ever for Clemson, the Tigers came out above all expectations by not only pulling another top RB out of Florida but also slipping one from under the dawgs commit list. You can get the full run down of the ESPN rated #2 commit list HERE.
Starting off with the fact that Clemson already had the nation’s #1 recruit regardless of position in DaQuan Bowers, #4 QB Kyle Parker and a few other guys already enrolled and attending classes, Clemson’s recruiting story was already on a great path. National signing day came with 25 slots open for recruits and some big names in the hopes of the Tigers.
A week ago 4 star TE Dwayne Allen, after coming down to Clemson and UGA, verbally committed to the Dawgs. Much to the dismay of the Clemson faithful, Allen said that his TE career would prove more effective and productive in Athens. Clemson faithful continued to question his decision and encouraged the coaches to keep on him until signing day. Come signing day, Allen went with his heart and put his name on the Clemson LOI. When asked why the change of heart once again, Allen said that Clemson provided a great education and an opportunity to make the TE a position to respect in Death Valley. With the addition of Allen and the already productive year that true freshman Brian Linthicum has had, you can say that the Tigers are definitely going to be using the TE more. Oh yeah, Allen’s coach pressured him to go to UGA through the entire process, you can thank Allen’s Mama for giving him the nudge to head to Clemson!
If Clemson and Spence plan to utilize the TE position more in the coming years, there is no better position to play mind games with the opposing defense than the RB position. Clemson had already received great news over the previous weeks that start RB James Davis would, in fact, not be heading to the pros but rather staying in Clemson to break the all time rushing record. Along with C.J. Spiller, Clemson was already known for their RB threats. Come signing day, no one expected Clemson to pick up even greater depth at the position but in the end, the Tigers landed not one but two outstanding 4 star recruits. Andre Ellington had signed his LOI early on, the Tigers were just waiting for the other shoe to drop in the highly recruited Jamie Harper, who everyone believed like a previous RB from the sunshine state, would stay in Florida. Clemson was hoping that the signing of Harper’s teammate and close friend, Daniel Andrews, as well as the chemistry that he established with Kyle Parker would persuade Harper to come to Clemson. The result, which was aired on national TV (well as far as ESPNU is televised) can be seen HERE.
In the end, Clemson landed over 25 recruits and only really missed one recruit, Jerrell Harris, who everyone thought would be a tough fight to get out of Alabama. Needless to say, he ended up donning the Bear Bryant houndstooth cap and announced for the Crimson Tide. Maybe the Tigers will make him re-evaluate that decision come opening day? It was a great day for Tiger fans and I was completely worthless at work with 3 web pages up and listening to ESPNU and 104.9 the drive all day long.

Posted on Thursday, February 7th, 2008 at 9:23 am by Clem

Filed under Clemson, Recruiting.

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