TCI’s National Signing Day preview: Breaking down commits, targets

The countdown to National Signing Day continues. With Wednesday’s NSD fast approaching, The Clemson Insider wanted to provide a primer to get you ready for the big day as it relates to the Tigers. In the following preview, we break down the …

The countdown to National Signing Day continues. With Wednesday’s NSD fast approaching, The Clemson Insider wanted to provide a primer to get you ready for the big day as it relates to the Tigers.

In the following preview, we break down the commitments that Clemson is set to sign on Wednesday, the targets that the Tigers are in the mix for, and more:

Cole Turner

Vestavia Hills (Ala.) High School wide receiver Cole Turner announced his commitment to the Tigers after his official visit on Sunday, Jan. 16.

Cole, of course, is the younger brother of longtime Clemson safety Nolan Turner. Like his brother before for him, Cole was severely under-recruited coming out of high school.

The Clemson Insider spoke with Vestavia Hills head coach Sean Calhoun, prior to Cole’s offer from Clemson.

“He’s one of those stereotypical guys, who didn’t have much junior film and has a lot of senior film,” Calhoun said. “And, it’s really good and it’s vs. really, really good opponents. He’s a good player.

“Again, he’s just not on recruiting boards because if his senior film was his junior film, he’d be a three/four-star. But, he’s not and I think that the people that do see it and do get on him at this time, whoever gets him is definitely gonna get an absolute diamond in the rough. There’s no doubt about it.”

Myles Oliver

Oliver (6-0, 170) officially verbally pledged to the Tigers on Sunday, Jan. 16. The Douglas County (Douglasville, Ga.) 2022 defensive back, like Turner before him, committed to Clemson after his official visit.

When asked by The Clemson Insider why he pulled the trigger on his commitment to Clemson, Oliver pointed to the coaching staff and the “great campus.”

Across his senior campaign, Oliver recorded five interceptions, 75 total tackles (55 solos), four touchdowns, 101 interception yards and 552 all-purpose yards. He received Douglas County Player of the Year honors for his contributions on the field this season.

Oliver’s head coach at Douglas County, Johnny T. White, talked to TCI in December and spoke about why he believed Clemson would ultimately be a good fit for the under-the-radar defensive back.

“Clemson would be a great place because it’s close to home for him,” White said. “Family’s big to him, so that’s not far. But, at the same time, I think it would be beneficial on both sides. I think he’d end up being a great player for Clemson. I know he’d be a standout guy because he’s a great young man. He’s a better young man than he is a football player, to be honest.”

Kobe McCloud

Kobe McCloud announced his verbal commitment to Clemson Wednesday, Jan. 26, just a mere couple of days after the legacy recruit, who hails from Gaither (Tampa, Fla.), officially visited campus.

McCloud went into detail with The Clemson Insider about his decision to commit to Clemson.

“Really just the love from the coaches,” McCloud said. “Not just the coaches, but their whole staff. I love that vision that they have for me for the next 3-4 years, so that played a big role.”

In a previous conversation with TCI, McCloud outlined his potential role. Clemson feels like he can play anywhere on that second-level, whether it’s at the WILL or MIKE linebacker positions. According to McCloud, Swinney had previously told him that his playstyle reminds him of former Clemson linebackers like B.J. Goodson and Dorian O’Daniel, both of whom went on to play in the NFL.

What can Clemson fans expect out of McCloud?

“I’m a baller on the field and off the field, I’m a great person with good character,” he said. “A person that lights up the room when I walk in. That’s the type of person I am.”

Kylon Griffin

Montgomery Catholic (Ala.) three-star defensive back Kylon Griffin elected to commit to Clemson on Tuesday, Jan. 25.

Even though the fast-rising prospect, who was once committed to Mississippi State, had another official visit on the table, his mind was already made up.

“I think there was no more to be said,” Griffin said. “Clemson has it all and more. I think Dabo Swinney has a great culture up there, that continues to evolve and that the whole staff wants the same thing.”

What role does the coaching staff envision for him?

“They compared me to K’Von Wallace,” Griffin said. “He was all-around the backend when he was there. I’m pretty sure they plan to use me all-around.”

Jahiem Lawson

Jahiem Lawson from nearby Daniel High School publicly committed to the Tigers on Friday, Jan. 28.

Lawson – the younger brother of former Clemson defensive end Shaq Lawson, who played for the Tigers from 2013-15 and has spent time in the NFL with the Bills, Dolphins, Texans and Jets – detailed his commitment decision in an interview with The Clemson Insider.

Jahiem (6-4, 215), who received an offer from Dabo Swinney and Clemson on Dec. 20, said he knew for sure a couple of weeks ago that Clemson is where he wanted to continue his academic and athletic career. He told Swinney and his staff that he wanted to be a Tiger while on his official visit to Clemson three weekends ago.

Jahiem chose the Tigers over offers from Missouri, Georgia Tech, Coastal Carolina and Liberty, among numerous other schools.

“The environment is really amazing,” Jahiem said of why he picked Clemson. “Being around the coaches, it’s like a family, and I love that. Going in on my OV (official visit), I just felt so welcomed. That was so exciting for me. So, that made my chances to go to Clemson higher.”

PWOs

Here is a list of all the preferred walk-ons that plan on signing with Clemson on Wednesday:

Christ Church Episcopal School (Greenville, S.C.) three-star offensive tackle Mason Johnstone
Laurens (S.C.) athlete Michael Mankaka
T.L. Hanna (Anderson, S.C.) linebacker Fletcher Cothran
Anderson (S.C.) T.L. Hanna offensive lineman Chap Pendergrass
Daniel (Central, S.C.) tight end Griffin Batt
Daniel (Central, S.C) wide receiver Clay Swinney
Daniel (Central, S.C.) quarterback Trent Pearman
Central High School (Phenix City, Ala.) quarterback Caleb Nix

Commitment Watch

By now, we know that there are four uncommitted prospects in the 2022 recruiting class that could commit to Clemson on Wednesday.

The Tigers played host this past weekend to a couple of official visitors, so we wanted to pass along the latest we have gathered regarding those official visitors, as well as the other Clemson targets.

T.J. Dudley

One of the uncommitted prospects that Clemson is in strong contention for is T.J. Dudley, a four-star linebacker from Montgomery (Ala.) Catholic Preparatory School who is ranked as the No. 11 outside linebacker and No. 143 overall prospect in the 2022 class by Rivals.

Dudley, a former Oregon commit, decommitted from the Ducks in early December after former Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal departed for Miami. It was around that time when Clemson, which offered Dudley back in June 2020, re-entered the mix for his services.

Clemson made a big impression on Dudley when he visited for a junior day back in the spring of 2020, and he returned to campus for an official visit last weekend – a visit that simply reinforced the things he liked about Clemson back then and only strengthened the Tigers’ standing heading into signing day.

Dudley is teammates with Montgomery Catholic Prep 2022 defensive back Kylon Griffin, who committed to the Tigers last week, and Clemson appears to be the clear frontrunner for Dudley as well. New co-defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Wes Goodwin has done a good job with Dudley’s recruitment.

Dudley will announce his decision at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Caden Story

We also like where Clemson stands with Caden Story, a four-star defensive tackle from Lanett (Ala.) High School, who is ranked as the No. 20 defensive lineman and No. 147 overall prospect in the 2022 class by 247Sports.

Clemson is one of three stated finalists for Story, along with Florida and Auburn. He committed to the SEC’s Tigers last August but did not end up signing in December, then decommitted from Auburn on Jan. 16. He went to Florida for an official visit this past weekend.

The Tigers made a great impression on Story during his official visit two weekends ago. He has a strong and longstanding relationship with Clemson’s defensive tackles coach and run game coordinator, Nick Eason, who also recruited Story when Eason was at Auburn.

While the Gators gave Story something to think about last weekend, we still believe the Tigers are in a good spot heading into Wednesday.

Story will reveal his college choice at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Keith Adams, Jr.

The other official visitor on campus this weekend was Pine View (Saint George, Utah) 2022 three-star running back Keith Adams, Jr.

“I just liked how everybody treated me,” Adams told The Clemson Insider Sunday. “I just enjoyed spending time with the coaches and the players. I had a lot of fun and the facilities were great.”

Clemson originally offered Adams as a grayshirt back when he was a junior in October 2020, but on Saturday, the Tigers offered him a full ride. According to Adams, Clemson loved his film and they saw him progress throughout the entirety of his high school career, which is why they offered him a full scholarship.

“It meant a lot,” he said, “to actually get it in person, it felt a lot different than receiving it over the phone. It was a special moment for me and my family.”

Adams, of course, is the son of former Clemson All-American linebacker Keith Adams Sr., who went on to play seven years in the NFL and played in the 2005 Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Clemson made a big impression on Adams Jr. and his family this weekend, and while he won’t make his decision known until Wednesday, we like the Tigers’ chances heading into signing day.

Adams will reveal his college choice at 1:40 p.m. Wednesday.

Andrew Paul

Heading into this past weekend, those close to Andrew Paul’s recruitment viewed Clemson as the frontrunner for the Parish Episcopal School (Dallas, Texas) three-star running back. However, Georgia has given him something to think about after his official visit to Athens this past weekend.

As far as his recruitment is concerned, Paul is very closed vest. So much so, that many of those around him are unsure of what he may decide. That being said, while we believe Georgia and Kirby Smart made a big push to land Paul’s commitment, we feel the Tigers still have a legitimate shot to land his signature on Wednesday.

Clemson has certainly put its best foot forward with Paul as well.

“He loved it,” Parish head coach Daniel Novakov said of Paul’s official visit. “He loved the place. He loved the people. He loved Coach Swinney. I think he really liked the kids he visited. I think he liked everything about it.”

The Tigers have been recruiting Paul hard since C.J. Spiller was in attendance for Paul’s state playoff game last month. Clemson’s running backs coach stayed for the entire game. That went a long way with Paul and his trainer Brandon Williams, who trains the three-star running back at FASST Performance & Fitness and has done so for the past three and a half years.

“That showed me not just the value, but the perception that I got from C.J. standing there the entire time just tells me where their relationship is with Andrew,” Williams said. ‘“Hey, this young man is what we want. It’s been amazing to see all those things, especially the respect level.”

Paul has built a close relationship with Spiller. He’ll have a tough decision to make between Clemson, Georgia and Michigan.

Paul will announce his decision at 12:20 p.m. Wednesday.

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Swinney’s message to future Tiger: ‘Clemson will always be this Clemson’

Among the Clemson commitments in the 2022 class who were on campus for their official visits this past weekend was three-star offensive tackle Mason Johnstone from Greenville’s Christ Church Episcopal School Johnstone, who pledged to the Tigers in …

Johnstone, who pledged to the Tigers in June, will join the program next summer as a preferred walk-on. He just finished up his first season playing offensive tackle and is still coming into his own right.

The 6-foot-7, 250-pound senior caught up with The Clemson Insider on Monday night and detailed his official visit experience and what he heard from the coaching staff during his return visit to Tiger Town.

“It was awesome,” Johnstone told TCI. “We did a lot of fun stuff and it was just great to see everybody.”

This past weekend’s group compared to the official visitors for Clemson’s game against UConn was a mixed bag. The Tigers saw scholarship commits, walk-on commits and uncommitted prospects as well. There were nine total prospects in attendance.

Some of Clemson’s scholarship commitments in the 2022 class took their official visits this weekend, including the newest commit — who Johnstone has mutual friends in Greenville with — Dutch Fork (Irmo, S.C.) four-star wide receiver Antonio Williams. He was joined by East St. Louis (Ill.) four-star cornerback Toriano Pride and Jesuit (Tampa, Fla.) three-star linebacker Wade Woodaz, as well as Clemson preferred walk-on commits such as Johnstone, Daniel High School tight end Griffin Batt, Dabo Swinney’s youngest son, Clay, and Mickey Conn’s son, Brodey.

As well as Clemson punter commit Jackson Smith of Saraland (Ala.), who announced that he was being placed on scholarship.

“I think it was interesting because we all blended really well,” Johnstone said. “I had talked to Wade before and had known him a little bit. And then Antonio, he’s a great guy. It was awesome. It felt like we were all teammates.”

This says something because there were two uncommitted official visitors as well in Jennings (La.) four-star running back Trevor Etienne and Pike Road (Ala.) four-star defensive lineman Khurtiss Perry, who both made their way to Tiger Town for the weekend.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney was finally able to sit down and deliver a message to some of his future players, including Johnstone, regarding the departure(s) of Brent Venables and Tony Elliott to Oklahoma and Virginia, respectively.

“His whole thing was like the foundation here has already been set,” Johnstone said. “We’ve all bought into that and I think he knows that. He was just reassuring everybody that no matter who’s here, Clemson will always be this Clemson.”

Beyond that, what was the overall message that Johnstone received from the coaching staff during his time on campus?

“They actually said they were really pleased with my film and how my projection went throughout the season,” he said. “I kind of started off rough, but then, towards the later half of the year, I really started to pick it up. My whole goal by the end of the season was to show the best possible version of myself to them. I think I did that.”

Remember, this was Johnstone’s first season playing tackle.

While on campus this past weekend, he had a coach’s meeting with Robbie Caldwell. It gave Johnstone an opportunity to go through his film with the longtime Clemson offensive line coach and pick his brain and certain things.

“There’s a lot that I have to learn, especially just having a dialogue with him, I can tell that there’s so much more that I’ll be able to learn,” Johnstone said, “and I think they see that too. Being able to pair that with my natural athletic ability plus gaining weight, I think they think that I have a lot of potential at the position.”

How has Johnstone’s relationship with Caldwell developed?

“It’s actually been great,” he said. “He’s helped me so much, even just my family. He’s a great guy. He’s someone that just talking to him is great and just getting his wisdom. You can tell how much he cares about the people that he’s recruiting and their families, and also his players.”

For Johnstone, that goes a long way.

“I don’t think anywhere else in the country that a walk-on would get the treatment that they do at Clemson,” Johnstone said. “I’ve talked to other schools that have tried to tell me what being a walk-on means, but that definition is completely different at Clemson. You’re just as important as everyone else. You may not be on scholarship, but they know that you’re a valuable piece to the program. They treat everybody as such. They’re still hyping me and telling me all the things I want to hear.”

They did tell him something that he definitely wanted to hear during his visit.

According to Johnstone, his timeline to get a scholarship “probably increased over this past season.” He attributed that to his improved play and the roster numbers game that comes with valuing offensive line depth.

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Clemson commit on recent visits: ‘Never had an experience like that’

The Clemson Insider caught back up with this Class of 2022 commit, who couldn’t be happier to be “All In.” Christ Church Episcopal School (Greenville, S.C.) three-star offensive tackle Mason Johnstone is trying to take in as many home games as he …

The Clemson Insider caught back up with this Class of 2022 commit, who couldn’t be happier to be “All In.”

Christ Church Episcopal School (Greenville, S.C.) three-star offensive tackle Mason Johnstone is trying to take in as many home games as he can this season. He was in attendance for Clemson’s wins over Georgia Tech and Boston College and detailed his experiences with TCI.

“It was awesome. I’ve definitely never had an experience like that, going in the locker room, hearing the pregame speeches,” Johnstone said regarding Clemson’s 14-8 win over Georgia Tech. “It was great to be around everybody and see people again. It sucked because of the rain circumstances. It was definitely a weird game.”

What’s the type of feedback Johnstone’s gotten from Clemson’s coaching staff on these game day visits?

“They were just kind of happy to see me,” he said. “We just talked a little bit about how my season is going and where I was at and stuff.”

Johnstone says that he has a strong relationship with both Clemson offensive line coach Robbie Caldwell and offensive analyst Thomas Austin. Caldwell has actually helped Johnstone’s older sister with her studies at Chapel Hill because he has some connections up there.

“It was great,” Johnstone said of being able to see Caldwell and Austin face-to-face again. “I love being around those guys because they always make me feel like I’m at home. They just remind me that I’m at the right place. They’re so welcoming and so hospitable. It’s like I’ve known them for my whole life and (the Georgia Tech game) was my third time meeting them.”

Johnstone had been to Clemson games prior to two of those home games, but he had never gotten the “VIP treatment” as a recruit before.

He was able to put into words and context just how different it is.

“Everything about it is different,” Johnstone said. “We got there at 11:30 a.m., we’re eating really good food and coaches are coming up to you and talking to you at the indoor facility. It’s like just being on a visit. Then some of us go up and run up the hill. I actually had never been up there, close enough to run down. Right before they came off the bus, we ran up the hill and watched them. Everybody’s screaming like I could have touched everybody. I remember, I think it was Ajou Ajou, he was screaming in our faces. He was so excited.”

At the Georgia Tech game, Johnstone was around some of his fellow Clemson commits like Cade Klubnik, Collin Sadler, Sherrod Covil and Adam Randall.

“It was great. Those guys, I have great relationships with all of them,” Johnstone said. “Every time I see Cade, he’s giving me a big hug. Me and Collin are really great friends. Me, Rod, and Adam are all close. Just being around those guys, it’s just comforting.”

Every time Johnstone comes back to Clemson it just reaffirms that he made the right choice.

“I think everyone’s excited about being on campus and being here all the time,” he added. “You can just see how much everyone loves being there and how excited they are to come to these games and just hanging around and feeling like they are a part of Clemson.

Dabo Swinney told Johnstone that he would be playing tackle when he gets to Clemson. He said that he thinks left tackle is the ideal scenario down the road.

“Obviously, that’s your blind side,” Johnstone said. “That’s one of your bigger impact guys on the offense. It will definitely be a journey to get to that point, but ideally with my athleticism and stuff, once I put on weight, I think that’s where they’d like me to play.”

What has Clemson told him about the opportunity he’ll have once he’s officially on campus?

“Really, I feel like I have an equal opportunity as everyone else and they’ve made me feel that way,” he said. “Obviously, I’m coming in a little light at a very needy position, but I remember Coach Swinney told me one time, he’s like, ‘My goal is you get here and in three years you look up and we have a starting left tackle.’ One day they’ll wake up and see me and my potential will have been achieved. The whole goal is to put my head down and work and let everything else work out.”

Johnstone is hoping to make all the rest of Clemson’s home games this season, meaning he should be back in the stands for Clemson’s matchup against Florida State on Saturday, Oct. 30.

“They send me VIP invites every week,” Johnstone added. That’s super cool because I feel like most programs would just tell their walk-ons, ‘We’ll see you in June, good luck,’ but they’re actively talking to me and inviting me to games and stuff.”

What does that mean to Johnstone?

“I’ve heard of people’s other experiences as a walk-on and I’ve heard of (Former Clemson wide receiver) Josh Jackson,” he said. “He was a walk-on for a long time and he’s coaching at our school now. He had a great experience, though he really didn’t get that many snaps. You’re treated the same as everyone else. My sister is treated like everyone else. Even the commits, we all treat each other like we are all brothers and all family. There’s no drop off no matter who you are.”

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Clemson’s 2022 recruiting class has ‘everything you could ever want’

Prospects from far and near attended Clemson’s All In Cookout this past Sunday. Recruits were allowed to make in-person contact with teams and find their way back on campus with the quiet period in effect. Prospects like Greenville (S.C.) Christ …

Prospects from far and near attended Clemson’s All In Cookout this past Sunday.

Recruits were allowed to make in-person contact with teams and find their way back on campus with the quiet period in effect. Prospects like Greenville (S.C.) Christ Church Episcopal School 2022 OT Mason Johnstone were back on Clemson’s campus.

The local product talked to The Clemson Insider regarding his time at the cookout and the messages he’s been receiving from the Tigers’ coaching staff.

“The Cookout was awesome,” Johnstone said. “Super fun to be around all the commits and be around the family. The thing I enjoyed the most was creating the bond with all the recruits, they’re all just great guys and being able to be around them felt like I was around my teammates.”

For Johnstone, pretty much everything about last Sunday’s experience was a huge highlight. Getting closer with all the Class of 2022 recruits was his favorite, but it was also great for him to see all the coaches again.

“It was also kinda crazy to play dodgeball and talk with Tajh Boyd. who was my favorite player growing up,” he added.

At Clemson, Best is the Standard. There are not many colleges across the nation where you can come to campus and get to play dodgeball against a former legend.

That’s what’s special about Clemson, but there’s also something special about this recruiting class.

“I feel like this class has everything you can ever want,” Johnstone said. “First and foremost, all the guys are really great and we’re a pretty tight-knit group already. This class is going to bring championships. Everyone’s unselfish, has low egos, and we have leaders. No matter if you’re a PWO or a five-star, everyone’s treated the same by their peers, which is really cool to see.”

Johnstone officially committed to Clemson back on June 13 following the program’s Elite Retreat. He had been silently committed prior to the event but elected to announce after he immersed himself back on campus this summer.

“They’re really happy to have me,” Johnstone said. “They see me as a very high-ceiling player and really believe that down the road, I’ll contribute. Starting off, my job will be to learn as much as I can, improve my body to where I can compete and then and improve each year.

“They told me that I’ll have a very good chance to compete for a bigger role if I do the things they say and work hard.”

The three-star offensive lineman had offers to play elsewhere, but couldn’t pass up the opportunity to play for his hometown team.

“There’s no other place that I’d rather be, scholarship or not,” Johnstone added.

This coming season, Johnstone is looking to compete for a state title. Not many people were expecting Christ Church to turn as many heads as it did last year and even this year there still remains some doubt, according to Johnstone. But, he and his teammates know what their team is capable

As far as personal goals are concerned, Johnstone wants to keep learning and improving his skills at offensive tackle, so he can dominate on both sides of the ball, he said

“As a player, I’m very detail-oriented and very eager to learn and perfect my craft,” Johnstone added, “Fans can expect that I’ll always find a way to make the team better, whether it’s scout team or starting offense, I’ll always find a way to make us a better football team than the day before.

“My footwork is my biggest strength by far. “Having been a basketball player my whole life, the movements are natural to mean and I just need to work on polishing them and putting everything together.”

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