Clemson seemingly produces NFL defensive ends on an annual basis. In the last decade, a list of edge rushers including Vic Beasley, Kevin Dodd, Shaq Lawson, Tavaris Barnes, Ricky Sapp, Da’Quan Bowers, Andre Branch and Gaines Adams have gone on from Clemson to play in the NFL.
The Tigers’ tradition at the position is rich, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed by Twin City (Ga.) Emanuel County Institute four-star defensive end Curtis Fann.
“I keep up with the history of D-linemen in the NFL and stuff like that,” Fann told The Clemson Insider. “That’s a good aspect because I know that they’ve produced, so I think they could make me a better player.”
Fann, a top prospect in the class of 2019, received an offer from Clemson during the Dabo Swinney Camp in June. Since then, he has developed a rapport with Clemson defensive line coach Todd Bates.
“I talk to him every day,” Fann said. “We have a good relationship. He just tells me that Clemson has a lot of love for me and stuff like that.”
Fann (6-3, 245) hasn’t made any visits yet this season, but said getting back to Clemson is in his plans.
“Definitely. I don’t know when yet, but definitely,” he said. “I want to look at the dorms. I haven’t seen them. I want to interact with the coaches even more, talk to some of the players. But I’m pretty sure I can’t get more happy than I already was with them from this summer because I had a good time.”
Fann possesses offers from Alabama, Auburn, Florida Florida State, Georgia, LSU and South Carolina among others. He feels Auburn and South Carolina are recruiting him the hardest along with Clemson.
While he isn’t close to committing, Fann is looking to narrow the field.
“I’ll be kind of narrowing down things pretty soon,” he said. “I don’t know when yet, though, but it won’t be too long from now.”
Is Clemson a safe bet to make the cut?
“Definitely,” Fann said.
As a sophomore last season, Fann recorded 63 tackles, seven sacks and five forced fumbles.
He is ranked by ESPN as the No. 15 defensive end and No. 134 overall prospect in the 2019 class.