Last weekend, Clemson received a commitment from Snellville (Ga.) South Gwinnett four-star defensive end Justin Mascoll.

He became the sixth commitment in the Tigers’ 2018 class, joining Cartersville (Ga.) five-star quarterback Trevor Lawrence, Richburg (S.C.) Lewisville four-star defensive tackle Josh Belk, Rock Hill (S.C.) South Pointe four-star wide receiver Derion Kendrick, Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy four-star linebacker Mike Jones and Central (S.C.) Daniel four-star linebacker Jake Venables.

The Clemson Insider takes a closer look at Mascoll here:

Profile

Ht/Wt: 6-4, 235

Offers: Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisville, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Michigan State, Mississippi, Mississippi State, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, N.C. State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, South Carolina, Tennessee

Finalists: Florida State, Auburn

Rankings: No. 4 DE, No. 3 Georgia, No. 14 national (ESPN); No. 3 WDE, No. 11 Georgia, No. 84 national (Rivals); No. 18 DE, No. 207 national (Scout); No. 6 WDE, No. 15 Georgia, No. 129 national (247)

What Clemson is getting

Mascoll is a big and athletic player off the edge at 6-foot-4, 235 pounds. He has significant upside, but his skillset is raw and needs to be developed. In the future he projects to be an elite end who can serve as both a good pass-rushing and run-stopping presence.

Mascoll has an explosive first step off the ball and long arms that help him move offensive linemen out of the way en route to the quarterback. He moves and changes direction well, and has good speed. He has a high football IQ and plays with good instincts. He also plays with a tireless motor and aggression. He needs to add strength, as many young linemen do entering college. Clemson’s coaching staff should be able to help him with his technique and array of moves as an edge rusher to get the most out of him as a player.

As a junior, Mascoll recorded 68 tackles, nine tackles for loss, eight sacks and 14 quarterback pressures.

How he fits

 Mascoll is a weak-side defensive end who can line up with his hand on the ground or standing up.

While he won’t come in and start right away due to the stock of talent Clemson has, it is of this observer’s opinion that he will have a good chance at playing time as a true freshman. He has the frame, athleticism and ability to carve out a role in the rotation right away and provide valuable depth.

Quotable

“I pretty much knew I was going (to Clemson) after I made the visit (on March 4). It was kind of like a buildup to the commitment. It was just full of excitement. I love the feeling there, and I was definitely missing out on that feeling after not going there for a while and seeing other schools and noticing they don’t really offer what Clemson has to offer as far as that feel that I’m getting. So it’s a dream school for me, a perfect fit for me, and it’s just great. It’s exciting.” — Mascoll

“There’s a lot of pressure that’s been lifted off of me as far as the recruiting process. I know it’s still going to pick up as far as other schools trying harder, but it definitely feels good to actually trust a group of coaches and their philosophies and stuff like that.

“I’m definitely ready for this senior season, ready to go out with a bang and get back to work in the offseason and just come in ready to work at Clemson.” — Mascoll