Breaking down Clemson’s signing class: Stars, sleepers and more
STARS
DT Dexter Lawrence: The No. 2 overall player in the nation according to the 247Sports Composite rankings is 6-4, 327 pounds and ran a 5-flat 40-yard dash, according to Dabo Swinney.
RB Tavien Feaster: Considered to be one of the top running backs in the nation, Swinney compared him to former Tigers running back C.J. Spiller. He has won the state title in the 100 meter and 200 meter each of the past two years.
WR Cornell Powell: Looked like the most impressive athlete on the field in the Shrine Bowl. North Carolina native has a chance to add to the long line of Clemson stud receivers.
LB Shaq Smith: Rated as the No. 6 overall player in the country by Rivals.com, Smith is considered to be perhaps the best linebacker in the country. The Maryland native played his senior season at IMG Academy in Florida.
IMMEDIATE HELP
DB Trayvon Mullen: Clemson lost three starters out of its secondary early to the NFL and needs immediate help as far as depth. The Tigers picked up one of the best cornerbacks in the nation in a Signing Day surprise.
LB Tre Lamar: Georgia product had offers from just about every school in the country before picking the Tigers. He made 156 tackles as a senior and led Roswell High School to an undefeated season and state championship. At 6-4, 240 pounds he is built to play early on.
STEALS
DB K’Von Wallace: Committed to Cincinnati but switched to Clemson Signing Day.
OL Cade Stewart: Originally committed to Georgia Southern before accepting a grayshirt offer from the Tigers.
SLEEPERS
LB James Skalski: A tackling machine, the Georgia native finished with 170 tackles his senior year, including 33 tackles for loss.
DB K’Von Wallace: Lowly rated prospect who blew up late. Ended up receiving offers from Ohio State, Michigan State and others before choosing the Tigers. He was named first-team all-state on offense and defense in Virginia.
DB Isaiah Simmons: Listed at 6-4, Simmons fits the mold of safeties Clemson has had success with recently. He picked up late offers from the Tigers, Michigan and Missouri.
MISSES
DL Rashan Gary: The consensus No. 1 overall player in the country took a late visit to Clemson and was said to be strongly considering the Tigers but ultimately chose Michigan.
WR/DB Bryan Edwards: The South Carolina signee de-committed from USC after the coaching change and was down to Clemson and the Gamecocks. Edwards ended up signing with Carolina after taking an official visit to Clemson.
DT Michail Carter: Took an official visit to Clemson the weekend of Jan. 15 but ended up deciding between Alabama and Georgia. Carter chose the Bulldogs on Signing Day.
BY POSITION
Quarterback 1, running back 1, wide receiver 3, tight end 1, offensive line 5, defensive line 4, linebacker 3, defensive back 5
BY STATE
Georgia 5, South Carolina 5, North Carolina 4, Florida 2, Kansas 2, Texas 1, Colorado 1, Maryland 1, Alabama 1, Virginia 1
Matt Connolly