Tigers add Charlotte safety to ’09 class

Holloman’s decision also could lead South Pointe star to Tigers

Clemson added another highly regarded safety to its 2009 class with a commitment from defensive back Devonte Holloman (6-foot-3, 210 pounds) of Charlotte.

Holloman said Clemson and Michigan had separated themselves from the pack. After talking it over with his parents, Holloman decided to commit to Clemson.

“It just fits me as a person,” Holloman said. “It’s close to home. The academics are good for engineering. There’s a chance for me to play early. I know a couple of guys who have already committed, and going in with friends is good, too. I’m going to stay at safety.”

Holloman said Clemson defensive coordinator Vic Koenning “likes to roll the safety up and I like to be up and hit, and sometimes I like to be at free (safety). The defense already has some building blocks and hopefully I can be another piece of a championship defense.”

Holloman is the second highly touted safety to commit to Clemson, joining Craig Loston of Texas. Holloman likes the idea of the two roaming in the secondary together. “I think that will be scary for a lot of teams,” he said.

He also is a close friend of South Pointe High’s Stephon Gilmore. His commitment could lead Gilmore to the Tigers, although he has been saying he is open between Clemson and USC.

Holloman said his decision is firm and he’ll not visit any other schools. He is on track to graduate in December. He is the eighth commitment for Clemson’s 2009 class.

— Phil Kornblut