Another Clemson defensive recruit de-commits in wake of Venables’ exit; How does it affect OU?

2022 four-star defensive end Jihaad Campbell has backed out on his verbal commitment to Clemson and has reopened his recruitment.

In just four days since word of Brent Venables’ return to the “Palace on the Prairie,” Clemson lost its second defensive recruit from their 2022 class. Four-star safety Keon Sabb kicked it off with a de-commit earlier in the week. 2022 four-star defensive end Jihaad Campbell decided to back off his commitment days after.

Both Campbell and Sabb play for IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Also, both represented summer commitments as well.

Campbell is a consensus top 100 recruit and is a game-changing player that’s likely just scratching the surface of what he can be. His potential will only grow after getting into a college strength and conditioning program and given more time refining technique.

Campbell is another Clemson defender that was primarily recruited by Brent Venables. The recent theme over the last few weeks in the recruiting world is remembering that recruits usually form stronger bonds with coaches than they do universities.

When these coaches move to different schools for different jobs, the kids usually back out of their commitment to reassess their options.

It’s hard not to believe that’s the case for Campbell too. Florida, Georgia, and Ohio State were a few of the schools that received visits from Campbell during his recruitment process. He could very well double back on one of those schools if they have the space and will take him.

Campbell was recruited and offered by Oklahoma. The main man from Oklahoma’s at the time was Jamar Cain, who is no longer an Oklahoma coach and has since moved on to coach defensive ends and be the co-defensive coordinator for Lincoln Riley at USC. One would imagine his offer still stands.

The Sooners don’t officially have a defensive ends coach although there’s some serious speculation that Miguel Chavis (a former Clemson player development coach) will be occupying that role. Until that’s finalized or truly confirmed if an offer goes out or there’s communication between Campbell and Oklahoma it’s likely because Brent Venables who was his point man while at Clemson heads up his recruitment again.

With the early signing period a week away and national signing day in February, Campbell’s second wave of recruitment will have to move quickly. The Sooners will likely have room for him if there was mutual interest from both sides. It sets up for an interesting finish to another crazy recruiting cycle.

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