Spring Recruiting Storylines

By Hale McGranahan.

Over a month has passed since Clemson pulled off its Signing Day trifecta of Tavien Feaster, Cornell Powell and Jamie Skalski.

And while the 2016 haul is about halfway finished with its seven commitments, there are still plenty of needs for the class. Here’s a look at the needs that will continue to be addressed by the Clemson coaches over the next several weeks.

More big uglies: The momentum established from the 2015 offensive line group is real and it’s spectacular. On the heels of the signings of Mitch Hyatt/Jake Furhmorgen/Noah Green/Zach Giella, the 2016 bunch is off to a good start with the December commitment by Sean Pollard.

Clemson is in strong position for some of the nation’s most highly-recruited talent, including four-star guards Parker Boudraeux and John Simpson. Boudreaux and Simpson may not necessarily be ready to make a decision during the spring recruiting season, but the Tigers enter the spring as the team to beat for both.

Look for an additional 2-3 offensive linemen to be added at some point along the way. Other names to keep an eye on over the next few months: Jack DeFoor, Luke Elder, E.J. Price and Jay Jay McCargo.

Help off the edge: In addition to the four defensive ends signed in the previous cycle, Clemson has no seniors on the roster, so the staff has been selective with the types of 2016 defensive ends that have already received offers.

Most of those offered prospects fit the profile of Vic Beasley when he was a high school prospect: 6-3 to 6-5, between 210 and 230 pounds. That range in size typically fits the kind of skill set Beasley brought to the table: Weak-side pass rushers who bring speed and athleticism.

Keep guys like Julian Okwara and Charles Wiley in mind.

The war daddy(ies): Like the defensive end haul in 2015, Clemson went heavy on defensive tackles, inking three in February. Look for one or two more to be signed in 2016.

As is the case with every other open position in the class, the Tigers are in on several high-profile recruits, including a couple of five stars: Dexter Lawrence and Julian Rochester. Instate prospect Nyles Pinckney, a four-star, is thought to be leaning towards Tigertown.