Recruits react to the Russell Athletic Bowl

By Hale McGranahan.

TCI caught up with several of Clemson’s top recruiting targets from the 2015, 16, 17 and 18 classes, to see what they thought about Monday night’s blowout 40-6 win over Oklahoma.

 

 

 

2015 target – CB Mark Fields – Charlotte, N.C.

“Dominant.”

2015 target – ATH Denzel Johnson – Columbia

“I can’t even explain, they played so well. They made it look like were playing a high school team.”

2015 target – CB Kareem Orr – Chattanooga, Tenn.

“Clemson played a great game. They were the team who wanted it the most tonight. I was very impressed on the back end, too, with their DBs.”

2015 commitment – Ray Ray McCloud – Tampa, Fla.

“They did great and put a show on.”

2015 commitment – DT Gage Cervenka – Greenwood

“It was a great win for the seniors and the whole team. I can’t wait to get out there and play. It’s good to be a Tiger.”

2015 commitment – OL Zach Giella – Augusta, Ga.

“I think the team really came to play. Everyone was prepared and everyone was hungry for a win. Cole Stoudt had a fantastic game. He really deserves the MVP spot. And defense was lights out. Shutting down one of the best rushing attacks in the country. It was a great team win and a great way for the seniors to go out.”

2015 commitment – DE Austin Bryant – Thomasville, Ga.

“I was super excited. I was hyped to see the defense dominate the way they did. I’m also glad Cole was able to end his career with a great win, but that defense was straight filthy.”

2015 commitment – DT Sterling Johnson – Clayton, N.C.

“Outstanding. Another statement making win for Clemson.”

2015 commitment TE Garrett Williams – Orlando, Fla.

“It was an unbelievable game. They came to play on both sides of the ball tonight. They brought intensity that Oklahoma couldn’t match. I was really happy to see the seniors go out on a win. They have left quite the legacy at Clemson.”

2015 commitment QB Tucker Israel – Orlando, Fla.

“Absolutely outstanding. Best overall game they’ve played all year.”

2016 commitment – TE J.C. Chalk – Argyle, Texas

“I am very proud how Cole Stoudt played. I am happy he got to leave Clemson with a win and our D played really well. So, overall, it was just a very well coached game and the players went out and played hard and got the win. I couldn’t be more proud to be a Clemson Tiger.”

2016 target – DT Malik Walker – Macon County, Ga.

“Really thought they played a really good game on both sides, that’s why I would (like) playing for them. That’s also why they’re in my top. Who knows? I may commit soon.”

2016 target – WR Cornell Powell – Greenville, N.C.

“Man, it was an amazing performance. Cole Stoudt came up big and led them. 40-6 in a bowl game is unreal. I can’t wait to see what the ring will look like.”

2016 target – WR T.J. Chase – Bradenton, Fla.

“Relentless.”

2016 target – OL Parker Bourdreaux – Orlando, Fla.

“Unbelievable way to end the season. They looked awesome.”

2016 target – ATH Korey Charles – Tallahassee, Fla.

“I thought they played great. And I liked how they blew them out.”

2016 target – CB Robbie Robinson – Hampton, Va.

“They have the best defensive coordinator in the nation and it showed. The boys came ready to play and the defense set the tone early. That program has a bright future.”

2016 target – PK Alex Barbir – Cumming, Ga.

“Special performance, great. Tonight’s blow out was a statement win for Clemson’s program. They’re going to get better.”

2016 target – OL Taleni Suhren – Charlotte, N.C.

“It was a great win. It was good to see them play a complete game. They have a lot of talent and if they’re healthy, they can be one of the best teams in college football.”

2016 target – OL Raymond Smith – Macon County, Ga.

“I think it was a big win. I knew Clemson had it from the start.”

2016 target – LB Datavious Wilson – Hartsville

“Clemson’s defense dominated the whole game.”

2017 target – WR Keyshawn Johnson Jr. – Mission Viejo, Calif.

“Great win. Defense is crazy. Can’t wait to visit again.”

2017 target – ATH Joshua Paschal – Olney, Md.

“I thought it was a major statement for everybody to know that Clemson is definitely a top powerhouse and that their defense is unstoppable.”

2017 target – QB Jay Urich – Greenville

“I loved it. I was very impressed with how the co-coordinators called the game. I liked how the team came out firing on all cylinders. Awesome game to watch.”

2017 target – WR Emmanuel Greene – Coconut Creek, Fla.

“It was amazing. Love Clemson’s offensive game plan.”

2018 target – QB Kereon Joyner – North Charleston

“My boys proved that they were the No. 1 defense in college football. Cole played a great game and great coaching by Tony Elliott and coach Scott.”