By Hale McGranahan.

Is it a little too early to start looking ahead to the 2017 class? Perhaps. But there are already a number of prospects from the class that have already emerged on the recruiting scene.

Several of those instate prospects from the class of 2017 visited the Clemson campus last fall as unofficial visitors. Some will be back again this weekend for Junior Day.

Here’s a quick, early look at five prospects who will be in the discussion as the top-rated players in the state for the class of 2017.

S Davondre ‘Tank’ Robinson – 6-0, 190 – Lake Marion
Robinson plays quarterback at Lake Marion, but his future is on the defensive side of the ball as a strong safety or outside linebacker. There are a number of clips from his sophomore highlights that demonstrate how well the nickname fits. Clemson will host him on Saturday for Junior Day. South Carolina, Georgia, UNC and Louisville have offered.

ATH Savalas Cann – 6-1, 180 – Bamberg-Ehrhardt
Among prospects in the class, Cann was the first name to pop up on everyone’s radar, and for good reason. The rangy athlete from one of the state’s top football programs has plenty of tools. The younger brother of A.J. Cann, the former South Carolina offensive linemen who’s on his way to a career in the NFL, he’s also got the bloodline. Cann will play either wide receiver or defensive back at the next level. Several programs from the SEC and ACC have offered, including Clemson.

TE Will Register – 6-4, 220 – Chapin
Every once in a while, the state produces a tight end, but they’re a rare breed inside the confines of the Palmetto State. Register is more a of a traditional, in-line tight end, but he still catches the ball pretty fluidly. Both Clemson and South Carolina have been in contact.

WR Jalen Barr – 6-1, 180 – Lake City
There are a number of quality wide receiver prospects in the state’s 2017 class. Barr could be the best, though there’s still plenty of time to accurately make that kind of a judgement. Last season, Barr averaged almost 24 yards per catch and had nine touchdown grabs. He also returned two punts for touchdowns.

OL/DL J.T. Melton – 6-2, 250 – Dillon
Melton transferred from Chesterfield to Dillon before his sophomore year. Recently, Dillon has sent most of its best players to South Carolina, but Melton grew up a Clemson fan. While we’d like to see more film on Melton before making a decision as to which side of the ball he projects best.

Other top 2017 prospects: WR Cameron Burnette: 6-0, 185 – Summerville, RB Richard Garvin: 6-0, 180 – Allendale-Fairfax, WR/RB Tyler Hamilton: 5-9, 165 – Hilton Head, S/LB D’Marco Jackson: 6-1, 190 – Broome, TE/OLB Michael Johnson: 6-2, 210 – White Knoll, DL Deon Priester: 6-3, 245 – Allendale-Fairfax, WR OrTre Smith: 6-4, 210 – Wando, WR Shi Smith: 6-0, 170 – Union, QB Jay Urich: 6-4, 185 – Wren, LB Ty Washington: 6-1, 215 – Union, ATH Wally Wilmore: 6-0, 170 – York