We’re approaching the halfway point in the month of July and ACC media days are within site. Unfortunately, real, live college football is still several weeks away.

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

DE [autotag]Richard Yeargin[/autotag], Lauderdale Lakes, Fla. – RS Freshman

[autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag] offered Yeargin in May of 2012, before the end of his sophomore year at Chaminade Madonna Prep in Hollywood, Fla. A month later, Yeargin took his first visit to [autotag]Clemson[/autotag].

At the time, Wisconsin and Wake Forest were his only other offers. Plenty followed after his junior season at the University School in Fort Lauderdale: Tennessee, UCLA, USC, Michigan, UNC, Florida State, Ole Miss, Florida, Georgia Tech and West Virginia.

Notre Dame offered in April of 2013. That summer, his top-five included Clemson, Notre Dame, Tennessee, USC and Michigan.

August, the Irish scored a commitment, which lasted until late January. Clemson remained in the mix throughout the 2013 season, scoring an official visit in November.

A day after Yeargin backed away from his pledge to Notre Dame, word broke that he was committed to Clemson. The story was later shot down, but the writing was on the wall.

For the the final 10 days or so before signing day, Yeargin was said to be considering Clemson and Texas. A visit to Texas never transpired.

The four-star outside linebacker signed to play defensive end at Clemson.

“Clemson really showed me the fact that I’ll go there and walk out a better man than when I walk in, from every aspect of life. That’s what you want at the end of the day.”

Also among the factors that led Yeargin to Clemson: Venables.

“Two years ago, he was the first person to offer me a scholarship my sophomore year,” Yeargin said, after signing with Clemson. “And from there my life just went haywire, as far as the recruiting process, as far as my achievements.”