Recovering from De-commits

When Brent Venables departed Clemson to make his own way as a head coach, the Tigers felt the “Decommit Train.” Three IMG prospects all decided to back out of their commitments and go elsewhere. In addition, the #1 player in the state of Kansas decided to follow Venables to Oklahoma. Four prospects on the defensive side of the ball parted ways, sending Coaches Dabo Swinney and Wes Goodwin into Search and Recovery (SAR) operations.

Jihad Campell, a 4-star edge rusher for IMG, backed out of his pledge and signed with Alabama. Campbell, 6-3 215, will be replaced in the class by 3-star Jahiem Lawson from nearby State Champion Daniel High School. Lawson, 6-4 230, is a little bigger than Campbell and might even be a better fit for this Tiger defense.

S Keon Sabb, 6-2 200, also of IMG, decommitted and ended up going to Michigan. He was ranked as the #9 safety in the country and had been committed to the Tigers since November of last year. 3-star Wade Woodaz, 6-3 205, and 4-star Sherrod Covil are more than capable safeties and Sabb’s presence won’t be missed with the addition of these two prospects. 3-star Alabama native S Kylon Griffin adds a 3rd safety prospect to the room, giving Coach Mickey Conn three solid freshmen safeties to work with.

5-star Cornerback Daylen Everette was the 3rd IMG player to back out of his pledge to the Tigers and ended up in Georgia. 3-star Myles Oliver, Douglasville, Georgia, committed to Clemson during the 2nd signing period. Oliver, 6-0 170, is an underrated all-round athlete playing on all three sides of the ball; offense, defense and special teams. He may not have the glitz and glitter of an Everette, but Oliver may truly be that “hidden gem” that will blossom sooner than later.

The fourth prospect actually didn’t commit to Clemson earlier as announced. He actually committed to Brent Venables. When Venables left for Oklahoma, Kansas LB/RB Jaran Kanak decided to go with him.

Woodaz might be a cross between Nolan Turner (always in the right place) and Tanner Muse (physicality and speed), and could grow into a linebacker. Clemson Legacy LB Kobe McCloud, 6-1 208, recently decommitted from FIU and gave the Tigers his commitment. The “Most Wanted” piece of this recruiting class finally gave his pledge to the Tigers on signing day. Alabama LB TJ “Bull” Dudley. Dudley, 6-1 220, is a teammate of previously mentioned Kylon Griffin, and a tackling machine, recording 243 tackles, 30 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks in his last two seasons.

New defensive line coach Nick Eason not only brought years of NFL playing and coaching experience to the Tigers, he also managed to bring a former Auburn commit with him, Caden Story. The 6-3 285 defensive tackle ranks as the 10th best player in the state of Alabama and will be a welcome addition to the Tiger defensive line.

The Tigers missed out on four highly rated prospects due to a coaching change. Only time will tell if Clemson recovered sufficiently to make up for the losses. It could be the ones that got away, got away for a reason.