Tackett Curtis – Page 4 – Syndication Server

The Clemson Insider wanted to release some intel we’ve picked up regarding Clemson’s linebacker recruiting. Well, as far as the 2023 recruiting class is concerned.

We can tell you that Clemson’s staff has kept in contact with a range of prospects in the wake of Brent Venables’ departure to Oklahoma.

Clemson’s former defensive coordinator spearheaded the recruitment of three class of 2023 linebackers — Denmark (Alpharetta, Ga.) four-star Dee Crayton, North Gwinnett (Suwanee, Ga.) four-star Grant Godfrey and Many (La.) four-star Tackett Curtis.

All three players are considered top-200 prospects and rank as No. 12, No. 16 and No. 6 linebackers, respectively, in the 2023 recruiting class, per the 247Sports Composite rankings.

It’s worth mentioning that Curtis is the lone linebacker of the aforementioned trio, who currently holds an offer from Clemson. Though, the Tigers continue to recruit all three just the same.

Crayton told us that he’s kept in close contact with Clemson. Just last week, co-defensive coordinator/safeties coach Mickey Conn came by his school and informed Crayton’s head coach that they’ll be heavily recruiting him and are excited for him as a prospect.

“Clemson’s a top-tier school in the whole country,” Crayton said. “So, I really respect that and I’m just gonna keep working and put it in God’s hands. I know that it’s not gonna come easy and I just have to keep producing on the field, trying to win games, and ultimately, that’s gonna get me to that offer soon.”

As for Godfrey, Lemanski Hall has kept in contact. Clemson’s defensive end coach was just checking up on him and how his basketball season was going, he said.

Godfrey’s older brother, R.J., of course, is a class of 2022 signee himself. The 6-foot-7 forward put pen to paper with Brad Brownell’s team in November. It would be a dream come true for the brothers to play with each other at the next level.

And as for Curtis, his head coach and uncle, Jess, told us that he believes Clemson’s co-defensive coordinator/linebacker coach, Wes Goodwin, has been in contact with his nephew, Tackett, who is one of the top linebacker recruits in the country.

There are a lot of pieces to be picked up, especially from the recruiting end of things, now that Venables is in Norman. That said, Clemson’s staff, particularly Goodwin, has worked diligently to pick up those pieces and continue to recruit prospects that have a clear interest in the program.

“Recruiting takes time, a lot of investment,” Goodwin said. “Nobody’s gonna outwork me is kind of the mentality that I have. So, just continuing to develop those relationships and pouring into young people.”

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After having the orange carpet laid out for him in June, this talented Class of 2023 linebacker is keeping in constant contact with Clemson.

Many (LA.) High School four-star Tackett Curtis was one of a handful of recruits to receive an offer from the Tigers back on June 1.

Curtis (6-2.5, 210) currently ranks as the No. 4 linebacker and No. 67 overall prospect regardless of position in the 2023 class, according to 247Sports Composite rankings.

He recently caught up with The Clemson Insider and shared what he’s been hearing lately from Clemson’s coaching staff.

“I had a great visit in the summer and we really enjoyed it,” Curtis said. “Me and the family getting to go out there and see Clemson, see the staff, see what they’re about and how they want to use me. It was really awesome. I’m glad we got to do that and go check them out. I learned a little bit more about them, a little bit more about the staff and what they see in me.”

Since his visit earlier this summer, Curtis has made sure to keep in contact with Clemson’s coaching staff over the phone. He’s doing what he can until Sept. 1, when they can really start getting in contact with him and calling him.

Curtis is primarily reaching out to Brent Venables.

“We have a pretty good relationship,” he said. “ We get on the phone and talk and he tells me how he wants to use me and how much they want me, how he sees me in their defense and really just how they can develop me.”

According to Curtis, Clemson’s defensive coordinator/linebackers coach envisions him in a similar role as Isaiah Simmons. The former Tigers linebacker, who is currently with the Arizona Cardinals of the NFL, played the “Cheetah” position in Venables’ defense.

That’s how Venables wants to use Curtis. He believes that the talented Louisiana recruit can make plays all over the field and wants to stick him in the best place where he can be a playmaker.

That means a lot to Curtis.

“It’s really an honor to be compared to that,” he said. “If Coach Venables sees you being that guy like that, that’s pretty cool. Getting on the phone and talking to him and him telling me he wants to use me like in that in his defense, for that position, which is such a key role in his defense. It really means a lot and it’s really an honor.”

While Curtis is flattered by the Simmons comparison, there’s also another player in the NFC West that he tries to model his game after — San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner. That’s a player he certainly enjoys watching on Sundays.

Curtis said he prides himself on his versatility.

“I can run, I can cover, I’m physical and aggressive, I can do all of them,” he added. “That’s one thing that I pride myself on, versatility, and that’s one of the reasons why these coaches want me so bad.”

Curtis doesn’t have any visits planned for this upcoming season just yet, but he’s sure that he and his family will make it up to Tiger Town for a game.

For Curtis’s junior season at Many High School, he’s looking to be the best teammate he can be and see himself get better at some of the things he feels he’s not just great at yet.

If he can get better at those and be a great leader, all while leading his team to the State Championship, Curtis said that would be “awesome.”

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