Surplus of skill

If a 7-on-7 breaks out during Saturday’s Junior Day in Clemson, it would be one heck of a show.

There will be plenty of skill on hand for the first major 2017 recruiting event of the year for Dabo Swinney & Co.

Both quarterbacks scheduled to attend are already committed to the Tigers. Hunter Johnson is listed by Rivals and 247 as a five-star and the No. 1 pro-style quarterback in the country. Chase Brice, who committed just days after Johnson, is ranked by Rivals as the No. 7 pro-style quarterback.

The future Clemson quarterbacks will joined by plenty of potential, future targets.

****Nico Collins (6-5, 195) – Pinson, Ala. – Clay-Chalkville
No. 8 wide receiver – Rivals

****Tee Higgins (6-4, 175) – Oak Ridge, Tenn. (Tennessee commit)
No. 7 wide receiver – Rivals

****Jerry Jeudy (6-1, 174) – Deerfield Beach, Fla.
No. 6 wide receiver – 247 composite

*****J.J. Robinson (6-3, 185) – Lakeland, Fla.
No. 1 wide receiver – Rivals

****Amari Rodgers (5-10, 195) – Knoxville, Tenn. – Knoxville Catholic
No. 22 wide receiver – 247

****OrTre Smith (6-3, 204) – Mount Pleasant – Wando
No. 9 wide receiver – Rivals

ortre elliott

OrTre Smith and Tony Elliott at last summer’s Dabo Swinney Football Camp

A little over 12 months from Signing Day 2017, the number of wide receiver takes stands at two.

Plenty of skilled secondary players are also going to be on campus this weekend. As noted over the last year or so, defensive back, safety in

particular, will be a priority position for Clemson in the 2017 class.

****Malcolm Askew (6-1, 175) – McAlla, Ala. – McAdory
No. 15 cornerback – Scout

***Jacobe Clement (6-1, 180) – Charlotte – South Mecklenburg
No. 36 cornerback – 247

****Deon Jones (6-1, 180)
No. 7 cornerback – 247

***Chris Ingram (6-0, 175)
No. 27 cornerback – 247

****Jamyest Williams (5-9, 170)
No. 12 athlete – Rivals

****LeAnthony Williams (6-0, 170)
No. 15 cornerback – 247 composite

****Cyrus Fagan (6-2, 180)
No. 3 safety – Scout

*****Devon Hunter (6-2, 205)
No. 3 athlete – Scout

****Tank Robinson (5-11, 190)
No. 18 safety – Scout

****Xavier McKinney (6-1, 170)
No. 6 safety – 247

In the event of a spontaneous 7-on-7, some could play both ways, to help fill out the numbers on each side of the ball.

As evidenced by the list of guests for Saturday, running back and tight end won’t be a major emphasis for Clemson in 2017. The number at running back is projected to be one. Four-star Cordarrian Richardson (Memphis-Trezevant) is the only confirmed running back for Saturday. And it wouldn’t be a surprise if this class finishes without a tight end.