The Clemson Insider continues its “Looking Ahead” series with a forward look at Clemson’s top safety targets in the 2017 class.
The safety position is a big emphasis for the Tigers in this cycle after the departures of T.J. Green and Jayron Kearse to the NFL, and the departure of Jefferie Gibson to the transfer market. The Tigers signed a pair of safeties in February: Olathe (Kan.) North High School’s Isaiah Simmons and Birmingham (Ala.) Vestavia Hills’ Nolan Turner.
Korin Wiggins (813 career snaps), Jadar Johnson (571 career snaps), Ryan Carter (236 career snaps) and Van Smith (75 career snaps) are the returning safeties with playing experience. Wiggins, who is coming off a torn ACL that forced him to miss the 2015 season, was limited during spring practice but is expected to be at 100 percent for August camp. Wiggins can play nickelback and free safety, while Carter worked at both cornerback and safety during the spring. Tanner Muse, a redshirt freshman, is also expected to play a role at safety this season.
Johnson is the only senior. Wiggins and Carter are redshirt juniors, and Smith is a sophomore.
Look for Clemson to add two or three safeties for the 2017 class. Here are several of the biggest names we’re keeping tabs on:
C.J. Avery – Grenada, Miss.
Avery received an offer from Clemson on April 21, and the Tigers quickly rose up his board. Prior to attending all three days of the second session of the Dabo Swinney Football Camp, Avery included Clemson in his list of top schools. Clemson is in a good position here.
Markquese Bell – Bridgeton, N.J.
Bell also visited Clemson in June. As we reported recently, the trip to Clemson stood out to him among his several other summer visits. Bell also told TCI that Clemson is high on his list, and that another visit to Tiger Town is on tap. The New Jersey standout told TCI this week that he plans to wait until after his official visits to make a decision. That could be too late if others jump on board first.
Devon Hunter – Chesapeake, Va.
Along with Bell, Hunter is competing at The Opening finals in Beaverton, Ore., this week. Clemson is one of the schools in Hunter’s top 11, which he announced in late June. Clemson, Florida, North Carolina, Notre Dame and Virginia Tech are a handful of schools squarely in the mix. Hunter visited Clemson in January for Junior Day.
Davondre “Tank” Robinson – Santee, S.C.
Robinson is one of the top instate prospects for 2017. Robinson has been on the road quite a bit this summer, traveling to Louisville, Alabama, Mississippi State and Tennessee in June. In early May, Robinson released his top 10 schools — Alabama, Clemson, Michigan, Mississippi State, N.C. State, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia Tech — in no order. He visited Clemson in January for Junior Day.
TCI’s Clemson preseason magazine is now available. Order your copy of Unfinished Business – An Insider Look at Clemson’s 2016 season today.
