We’re over a week into the month of July and the start of preseason camp is within shouting distance. Unfortunately, real, live college football is still several weeks away.

As the dog days of summer roll on, TheClemsonInsider continues its look back at the recruitment of several of Clemson’s returning players.

LB [autotag]T.J. Burrell[/autotag], Goose Creek – RS Junior

Burrell made his first visit to Clemson in 2010, when he was on campus for the season opener against North Texas. At the time, Clemson was his only offer, but Burrell was drawing interest from South Carolina, UNC, Vanderbilt, Alabama and Maryland.

Clemson was the destination of choice that fall for Burrell, who went to nearly every home game that fall.

The calendar flipped to 2011 and Burrell remained consistent with interest in Clemson. He was back on campus in February for Junior Day.

Burrell also took spring visits to UNC and South Carolina. The Gamecocks had an offer on the table, so did Duke, East Carolina, Illinois, Kentucky and Vanderbilt.

Yet another visit was paid to Clemson that June for the Dabo Swinney Football Camp. Burrell decided to bring an end to his recruitment.

“I’ve kind of loved them since day one. I just wanted to learn more about the school, the campus and build a relationship with the coaches. Just being up there (for) the camp, it was like the little push that I need to go overboard.”

The three-star prospect never wavered from his commitment to sign with the Tigers in February of 2012.

Burrell committed to play for former defensive coordinator Kevin Steele. Tony Elliott served as the area recruiter.