Catching up with 5-star WR Justyn Ross: Tigers firmly in the mix

Could Ross join Trevor Lawrence at Clemson?

by Nikki Hood - Staff Writer - Wed Nov 01 09:58:46 GMT-04:00 2017

As Justyn Ross and the Phenix City (AL) Central Red Devils drive towards a state championship, the 5-star wide receiver is keeping his eye on the prize as well as what’s ahead for his college career.

The No. 2 wide receiver in the 2018 class according to Rivals and the top prospect coming out of the state of Alabama is off this week as he prepares for the playoffs, but he it’s been a busy week as he received his Under Armour All-American jersey at his school.

“It was great. It was a good experience. I'm looking forward to competing when that time comes,” Ross told TigerNet Tuesday evening. “It gives me a chance to see where I'm at compared to other players. I had a lot of people come to support me It just shows how much progress my school is making, since I’m the third person in the last three years to have this jersey presentation.”

The Red Devils finished this season 9-0 and will play next Saturday in the first round of the playoffs, and Ross said he’s looking forward to trying to finish off a perfect senior season.

“Everything is going good. My season is going really smooth,” Ross said. “We're undefeated. We finished the regular season undefeated and we've got the playoffs next week. Everything is just going to smooth, really. It's been great because we have a young team and we have really matured together. I think this is the best team we've had since I've been here.”

On the recruiting front, Ross announced a top five of Auburn, Alabama, Clemson, Florida and Florida State back in September, but it’s the Tide and two Tigers that he’s concentrated on so far this season.

Clemson’s reputation for putting wide receivers in the NFL and the electric Death Valley atmosphere has kept the ACC Tigers in the conversation as Ross prepares for a National Signing Day decision.

“Just them being able to develop receivers more than anything,” he said. “They're a winning team so that always helps too. I really liked the environment when I came to Clemson for the Auburn game. That was probably the best environment I've ever been in during a game.”

The 6-4, 201-pounder stays in contact with the Clemson coaching staff and is eyeing a return visit next week.

“They tell me that I'm just right for Clemson and that I'm the right fit for Clemson,” he said. “They tell me that they can develop me into an NFL caliber receiver. I'll be coming back to Clemson for the Florida State game, and I just want to make myself more comfortable down there.”

Ross declined to name any favorites but did say that Clemson remains in his top group.

As a junior, Ross had 38 catches for 663 yards and eight touchdowns to earn ASWA Class 7A All-State first-team honors. He had 34 catches for 672 yards and seven touchdowns as a sophomore.