Top DB target A.J. Terrell makes commitment to Clemson

Defensive back A.J. Terrell of Atlanta announced a commitment Friday to Clemson via a brief video released on Twitter.

Terrell (6-2 170) chose the Tigers over Florida and South Carolina. He also considered offers from Georgia, Alabama, Auburn, North Carolina and Kentucky as he worked his way through the recruiting process.

But Terrell worked his way to Clemson the most over the summer, making three visits with the Tigers capped by one last Saturday to watch practice.

“It really hit me after the cookout,” Terrell said of his visit for the All-In Cookout in late July. “I knew Clemson was the school for me after talking with coach Dabo [Swinney] and all the other coaches. I liked Clemson a lot ever since my first time going up there. I fell in love and I felt the connection with the players and the coaches.”

The Tigers also sold Terrell on the opportunity for immediate playing time with the pending departure of starting cornerback Cordrea Tankersley.

“They want me at boundary corner and I will fit good over there,” he said. “I’m physical and stuff.”

Terrell had 55 tackles and two interceptions last season.

Recent success also helped sell Clemson. That is attracting a lot of big-time prospects to the Tigers, but Terrell said that wasn’t an overwhelming factor for him.

“Yeah, that too, but that’s not what really sold me,” Terrell said. “The school itself really sold me, but the fact that they are a winning program, too, also is a big plus, going and competing for a national championship every year.”

Terrell is Clemson’s 13th commitment for the 2017 class and second for the secondary, joining his good friend LeAnthony Williams of Roswell, Ga.

He said this commitment closes his recruiting. He is not graduating early from high school.

This story was originally published August 19, 2016 at 12:56 PM with the headline "Top DB target A.J. Terrell makes commitment to Clemson."