Clemson lands top-rated recruit Dexter Lawrence

Defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence (6-foot-5, 330 pounds) of Wake Forest, N.C., regarded by one recruiting network as the No. 1 high school football recruit in the country for the 2016 class, announced Monday his verbal commitment to Clemson.

Lawrence picked the Tigers over N.C. State, Ohio State, Florida and Alabama. He took official visits to all five schools. Lawrence also considered North Carolina.

This season, Lawrence totaled 91 tackles with 21 tackles for loss and 13 sacks. He’s a dominating presence in the middle of the line and figures to be very disruptive when he gets to Clemson in January.

“He’s been tremendous for us and for our program,” said Wake Forest coach Reggie Lucas. “He’s a big kid who can run and who is quick and aggressive. He plays within our scheme. He made the other players around him better. What’s going to be a surprise is when you see that kid move. And he’s equally good against the run and the pass.”

Lawrence is Clemson’s 15th for the class and the second on the defensive line.

This story was originally published December 14, 2015 at 3:56 PM with the headline "Clemson lands top-rated recruit Dexter Lawrence."