Clemson commit Capehart recruiting other in-state talent
Clemson had only one in-state recruit during the early signing period last month but already has one on board for next year in Demonte Capehart.
The Hartsville High defensive end plans to do his part to get other high-profile, in-state recruits to come with him in the class of 2020, including Hammond defensive end Jordan Burch.
Burch and Capeheart are ranked Nos. 1 and 2 in the Class of 2020 247Sports rankings for the state, and Capehart has been doing his best sales pitch to the top 50 prospect in the country.
“He is a fun dude,” Capehart said of Burch. “I tell him choose the right place, that’s home. Come to a place that you know it is going to be good. Just try Clemson, you won’t go wrong.”
Burch hasn’t said much publicly about his recruiting but is turning out to be one of the most sought-after defensive players in the country, especially after his strong showing at the Under Armour Junior Combine last month.
South Carolina, North Carolina, LSU, Georgia, Oklahoma and Tennessee all have been by to see Burch and teammate Alex Huntley.
Capehart, Burch and Huntley are part of the state’s loaded defensive line class for 2020, which also includes Conway’s Tonka Hemingway and Cheraw’s Xavier McIver. The top four players in 247Sports’ SC rankings all are defensive linemen. Only Capehart is committed to a college.
The 6-foot-5, 270-pound Capehart was the Tigers’ first commit for the class of 2020 when he pledged in June before attending a Dabo Swinney camp. He attended a few games in the fall and still hears regularly from the Tigers’ coaching staff.
“It is still love. I love them, they love me. There is a strong connection with them,” Capehart said after playing with the Hartsville basketball team in the Chick-fil-A Classic. “Clemson stuck out to me because it is a family environment and a fun place. You know what you’re gonna get when you go to Clemson.
“Good coaching staff. The support staff guys they got behind the coaches; it is a team effort down there.”
Capehart said he was tuned in to the Tigers’ national championship victory over Alabama and watched how many of Clemson’s underclassmen contributed to the second title in three seasons.
“I know they were balling and it was a good experience for them. And I know I want to be a part of that,” Capehart said.
This season, Capheart had 40 tackles and led the Red Foxes in sacks (7), tackles for loss (19) and was second in quarterback pressures (12). Hartsville made it to the Class 4A Lower State championship game before losing to Myrtle Beach.
Capehart is playing basketball for Hartsville, which has South Carolina signee Trae Hannibal. He said playing basketball helps him with his foot work.
Capehart already is looking forward to spring practice and having a big senior season.
“Trying to get my game to next level and do what I can to help my team win and hopefully get a state championship,” Capehart said.
This story was originally published January 24, 2019 at 8:50 PM.