Five days removed from the conclusion of Clemson’s big official visit weekend, it is safe to call the event a rousing success.
Not only have the Tigers secured a commitment from 5-star LB Sammy Brown, but Dabo Swinney’s program also got two of its top WR targets, with 4-star wideouts TJ Moore and Bryant Wesco announcing verbal pledges. In fact, there might not be anyone in the Upstate happier this week, than receivers coach Tyler Grisham.
So, what’s next for Clemson when it comes to wide receiver? It’s been widely documented that the number coming into the cycle was two, and with Moore and Wesco on board, those two spots are now accounted for. The Tigers could very well be done. Or maybe they aren’t.
One of the top targets remaining on the board is 5-star Mike Matthews. While Clemson originally started recruiting Matthews as a safety, they are now pursuing strictly as a wide receiver. It’s what he wants to play, and he has proven that he is more than capable of doing so, and at an extremely high level.
Matthews is one of the Top 10 players in the country, regardless of position. He’s a game-changer. One of those guys you just can’t say no to. If he wants in after he has wrapped up all of his visits, he will be welcomed with open arms. You can always sign him as an ATH if push came to shove.
The real question here is what happens if Matthews decides to go elsewhere? Tennessee is heavily involved. So is Georgia. He still has visits to take to both schools and the Volunteers get the final crack, as he is slated to be in Knoxville the weekend of June 23. Southern Cal will also get an official. There’s just no way to know how this one shakes out just yet.
For the sake of argument, let’s say Matthews does commit to another school. 4-star Alex Taylor, who was Clemson’s very first wide receiver offer in this class, announces on July 29. 4-star in-state wideout Braylon Staley is also still uncommitted. Both were on campus last weekend.
Staley told a media member on Thursday that Clemson was no longer an option for him. That Clemson was no longer taking another receiver in this class. Staley is planning to announce around the end of June, or first of July.
However, Taylor told All Clemson Tigers on Thursday that Clemson was “still an option” for him, and he was still “very much interested.” But he still has visits set NC State and North Carolina and is fresh off a midweek trip to Virginia Tech.
Two receivers. Two different messages.
Then there’s 4-star Cam Coleman. His recruitment is expected to stretch out into the fall. Auburn is probably the biggest competition and that is where Coleman will be this weekend. He is also slated to visit LSU, with Florida State and Florida two more he could very well end up taking. Maybe it plays out to where Coleman making a later decision actually helps Clemson.
However, for now, it feels like Clemson just might be done at receiver. For now. I’ve always been of the opinion that somehow, some way, the number ends up being three, and by the time signing day rolls around, I think that is where we will be. How they get there remains to be seen, but it should make for quite an entertaining summer.
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