You’ve got recruiting questions and we have the answers.
Welcome to All Clemson’s 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.
Andy: Do you think we will land any late commits due to the Riley hire?
At this point, I think Clemson is done with the 2023 class. With so many players deciding to return for another season, the numbers just aren’t there, as the Tigers are currently over that magic number of 85. Had there been room, it would not have shocked me to see the staff try to add one more offensive lineman to the class. However, as things stand now, expect them to stick with the 26 players signed during the early signing period.
Wayne: At the moment, (I know it’s subject to change) how many do you think the Tigers will sign in the next class? I know Dabo really has numbers he likes to have in each position. How much could Riley bend those numbers?
As we sit here today, I think we are looking at the 20-22 range, but it is still very early. With the transfer rules being what they are now, you just never know when the next unexpected loss is going to take place.
Here’s how I see the next class playing out from a numbers standpoint, and I am not sure the hiring of Garrett Riley has any impact on these.
Offense
- QB 1
- RB 1
- WR 2-3
- TE 1
- OL 4
Defense
- DE 2
- DT 2
- LB 2-3
- CB 2
- S 2
Andrew: This has probably been asked to you a lot the last week or so, do you think Dabo will hit the portal to grab any players from TCU who are transferring out due to the Riley hiring?
When the season ended, I absolutely believe the coaching staff had every intention on filling multiple spots with players from the portal. Dabo Swinney has always maintained he would use it to fill gaps, and there are some of those on the roster right now, particularly at WR and DE. And the coaches were in contact with some players at those positions, as well as at CB and OL.
However, like noted above, due to all the players deciding to return next season, there just isn’t any room to take any right now. For example, one area they were looking at was CB. The staff felt like they needed a veteran presence to fill out that room. With Sheridan Jones ultimately deciding to come back for a fifth season, that need is no longer there.
With the numbers being what they are, though, I fully expect things to remain status quo heading into spring practice. But if there is some attrition after the spring, and there is some space, maybe we see the Tigers make a move at that time.
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