You’ve got recruiting questions and we have the answers.
Welcome to the All Clemson Tigers’ recruiting mailbag, where we will answer your recruiting questions. Or we will at least attempt to do so, as recruiting is a world with many moving parts and an ever-changing landscape where circumstances can often change in a flash.
With that in mind, let’s dive in.
Ted: We know that Cade is the starter. Who do you think will be QB2 by the Florida State game?
Unless there is an injury, I fully expect Hunter Helms to be the backup quarterback this season. All season. Graduate transfer Paul Tyson was brought in to be the veteran voice in that room, but I am not sure I see him surpassing Helms and the plan right now is to redshirt former 5-star Chris Vizzina. While he does possess all the tools, Vizzina has looked like a guy that will need a year.
Now, if something were to happen to Klubnik, that changes things. While I still think Helms would probably be the first guy off the bench, it could very likely change the plan for Vizzina. That might depend on the timing of any injury, the severity, and Clemson's record at the time of it occurring. However, if possible, I think the staff does everything they can to bring Vizzina along slowly and let him develop at his own pace.
DijonWatson: How does realignment affect recruiting?
Today, I don't think it hurts any more than it has in the past. It will hurt with some guys and others it won't. Five years from now, though, if Clemson is still in the ACC, that is when I think it could start having a bigger impact. The top recruits want to play against the best competition and if the Tigers are left behind in an ACC that is basically relegated to Group of 5 status when compared to the SEC and Big 10, it will become a huge hurdle they will have to deal with on the recruiting trail.
Having said all that, I personally don't see Clemson in the ACC five years from now. Whether the program eventually lands in the SEC or Big 10, that is yet to be determined, but it is hard to envision a national brand like Clemson being left out of what is coming. Until then, you deal with it the way you always have. One recruit at a time.
Kevin: Any sleepers starting to gain traction going into the high school season OL wise?
Right now, only one uncommitted 2024 OL has an offer and that is 4-star Elyjah Thurmon (Bradwell Institute, Hinesville, GA). Clemson offered Thurmon in July after he attended camp back at the end of May. We will see if the Tigers can get him in for an official during the season.
The one uncommitted OL that I am keeping the closest eye on is 3-star Favour Edwin, and I am not sure I would call him a sleeper. He has been talked about plenty and despite this being his first season playing at the high school level, he killed it on the camp circuit back during the summer, earning offers from Alabama, Florida and Auburn. However, Clemson has yet to offer, but he does plan on visiting for the Florida State game.
The Tigers are still in search of two more OL in this class, so I would fully expect the board to expand here in the next few weeks.
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