CLEMSON FOOTBALL

Signing Day Central 2016

Signing Day Central 2016


by -

Check back all day on Wednesday to see the latest on Clemson's 2016 recruiting class.

Last Updated: 8:00 PM

Final Rankings: 247 Sports - 10th overall, ESPN - 8th overall, Rivals - 5th overall, Scout - 14th overall

# Name POS HT, WT Espn Rivals Scout 247 ESPN Stars Hometown Status
1. Tremayne Anchrum OL 6-3, 268 #34 OG NR #31 OG #22 OG Powder Springs, GA Enrolled
2. LaSamuel Davis# DE 6-4, 218 #31 DE* #33 DE* NR* #84 WDE* Bamberg, SC Enrolled
3. Tre Lamar LB 6-4, 240 #2 ILB #3 ILB #6 ILB #2 ILB Roswell, GA Enrolled
4. Dexter Lawrence DT 6-4, 335 #3 DT #2 DT #2 DT #2 DT Wake Forest, NC Enrolled
5. Nyles Pinckney DT 6-2, 288 #26 DT #16 DT #41 DT #28 DT Seabrook, SC Enrolled
6. Sean Pollard OG 6-5, 295 #10 OG #10 OG #27 OG #23 OT Southern Pines, NC Enrolled
7. Rahshaun Smith LB 6-3, 240 #1 OLB #1 OLB #9 ILB #5 ILB Bradenton, FL Enrolled
8. Zerrick Cooper QB 6-3, 195 #9 QB-PP #8 DUAL #11 QB #7 DUAL Jonesboro, GA 8:15 AM
9. Cornell Powell WR 6-1, 200 #81 WR #4 WR #20 WR #40 WR Greenville, NC 8:20 AM
10. Jamie Skalski LB 6-1, 225 #24 ILB #30 ILB #34 ILB #47 OLB Newnan, GA 8:35 AM
11. Chandler Reeves OT 6-6, 255 #68 OT #59 OT #46 OT #79 OT McDonough, GA 8:40 AM
12. J.C. Chalk TE 6-4, 230 #7 TE-H #13 TE #17 TE #26 TE Argyle, TX 9:00 AM
13. Isaiah Simmons S 6-3, 205 #23 S #32 S #31 ATH #16 S Olathe, KS 9:05 AM
14. Tavien Feaster RB 5-11, 195 #5 RB #3 RB #2 RB #1 APB Spartanburg, SC 9:10 AM
15. Trayvon Mullen CB 6-1, 170 #2 CB #10 CB #6 CB #12 CB Pompano Beach, FL 9:15 AM
16. Nolan Turner S 6-2, 190 NR NR NR NR NR Vestavia Hills, AL 9:40 AM
17. Diondre Overton WR 6-5, 195 #18 WR #52 WR #35 WR #35 WR Greensboro, NC 9:45 AM
18. K'Von Wallace S 5-11, 180 #114 ATH NR #43 S #129 S Highland Springs, VA 9:45 AM
19. T.J. Chase WR 6-2, 180 #67 WR #23 WR #49 WR #36 WR Plant City, FL 9:50 AM
20. Brian Dawkins Jr CB 5-8, 170 NR NR NR #144 CB NR Fork Union, VA 10:00 AM
21. Xavier Kelly DE 6-5, 255 #19 DE #11 SDE #16 DE #7 WDE Wichita, KS 10:05 AM
22. John Simpson OG 6-4, 290 #14 OG #19 OG #13 OG #3 OG North Charleston, SC 12:35 PM
23. Cade Stewart$ OT 6-4, 300 NR NR NR #119 OT Central, SC 1:00 PM
# - Signed in previous class, $ - Greyshirt in 2016 class, * - 2015 Rankings


* 4-star CB Trayvon Mullen - 9:15 am - Clemson

* 3-star DB K'Von Wallace - 9:45 pm - Clemson

* 4-star OL John Simpson - 12:30 pm - Clemson

* 5-star DL Rashan Gary - 1:10 pm - Michigan

* Dabo Swinney Signing Day Press Conference - 2:30 pm

* Wendy’s Recruiting Wrap Up - 6:15 PM - Live stream #1 | Live Stream #2

Tremayne Anchrum OL 6-3, 268 Powder Springs, GA

Enrolled at Clemson in January of 2016…his dad, also named Tremayne, played his high school football in the state of Colorado and was all-state in football and basketball by the Denver Post…his dad played basketball for George Raveling at Southern California and led the USC team in rebounding as a sophomore and three-point shooting percentage as a junior…No. 39 Offensive Guard in the nation and No. 50 player in Georgia by ESPN.com… No. 21 Offensive Guard in the nation and No. 42 player in Georgia by 247 Sports.com…No. 73 player in Georgia by Rivals.com…committed to Clemson on November 15, 2015…played against Mitch Hyatt, Clemson 2015 starting offensive tackle, in high school…first-team all-state according to the Atlanta Constitution…all-district selection at the 6A level as well…PrepStar three-star selection who was All-Southeast Region selection….recruited by Tony Elliott and Robbie Caldwell…narrowed his college choices to Nebraska, Colorado and Clemson.

Mickey Plyler on Anchrum: This is a guy that doesn't have an NFL body or frame so he won't "Wow" you at first glance. But he runs well and has a big upside. He is a smart prospect who will benefit from spring practice at Clemson this year and get a jump on his college career. He reminds me of so many offensive linemen at the this stage because you have to project a couple of years out but the tools are there. He has very long arms which will help.

Reminds Plyler of: David Smith

LaSamuel Davis DE 6-4, 218 Bamberg, SC

Enrolled at Clemson in January of 2016…ranked No. 31 defensive end in the nation and No. 10 player in South Carolina by ESPN... No. 33 defensive end in the nation and No. 12 player in South Carolina by Rivals.com … No. 13 player in South Carolina by Scout.com … No. 14 player in South Carolina by 247Sports.com … defensive player-of-the-year by High School Sports Report for 2014 … had 120 tackles, 16 sacks, three recovered fumbles and one interception as a senior in 2014 … MVP of the defense for the South Team in the North-South high school all-star game in Myrtle Beach…had seven tackles, three tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks in that contest…wore No. 7 in high school…originally committed to Clemson on May 31, 2014…had 112 tackles, 38 tackles for loss and seven sacks as a junior in 2013 … coached by Kevin Crosby … recruited by Dan Brooks and Mike Reed….from the same hometown as former Tiger defensive ends Ricky Sapp and Da’Quan Bowers, both of whom played in the NFL…selected Clemson over offers from Florida, Florida State, Georgia and Notre Dame…recruited by Marion Hobby.

Mickey Plyler on Davis: Davis is a long, athletic pass rusher. I had a high school coach tell me that he thinks he has NFL potential. Davis will have to fill out his frame but I love his wingspan. His stock soared after an MVP performance at the North-South All-Star game.

Reminds Plyler of: Bryant McNeal

Tre Lamar LB 6-4, 240 Roswell, GA

Enrolled at Clemson in January of 2016…Under Armour All-American…named Defensive Player of the Year in state of Georgia by the Atlanta Constitution…Region Player of the Year as well…had 156 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, including 10 sacks, three passes broken up, one blocked kick, one interception and one touchdown as a senior at Roswell High in 2015, helping his team to a 14-0 record before losing in the state championship game…so his high school team had same record as Clemson in 2015…had nine tackles and a sack in state championship game…started his senior year strong with 18 tackles, three sacks and two fumble recoveries in the season opener…had 76 tackles in first five games of the 2015 season…had 78 tackles, 19 for losses, including one for a safety as a junior… had 67 tackles, four sacks, 25 tackles for loss and 8 pass break-ups in 2013… named to Super 11 Team in 2015 by the Atlanta Constitution, first player from Roswell High to be named…No. 89 player in the nation and No. 2 linebacker, and No. 9 player in Georgia by ESPN.com… No. 16 overall player and No. 2 linebacker in the nation and No. 4 player in Georgia by Rivals.com … No. 37 player by and No. 2 linebacker in the nation and No. 6 in Georgia by 247Sports.com… No. 48 player in the nation by Max Preps…also ranked as No 80 overall player in the nation by Tom Lemming… recruited by Brent Venables and Tony Elliot… his uncle, Anthony Butts played for Mississippi State and in the NFL…Tre wore No 57 in high school…chose Clemson over Alabama and Auburn….played his high school football for John Ford, a Clemson graduate….recruited by Brent Venables and Tony Elliott.

Mickey Plyler on Lamar: This is perhaps the most impressive physical specimen of this class. Lamar is a monster prospect that looks like an NFL guy right now. He has a great size, but the best attribute is his intelligence. Lamar is a really bright prospect. A great mind. I can see him making a run at a starting spot this spring.

Reminds Plyler of: Anthony Waters

Dexter Lawrence DT 6-4, 335 Wake Forest, NC

Enrolled in January of 2016 at Clemson… one of the highest ranked 5-star recruits in Clemson history…first-team USA Today All-American…listed as the No. 2 overall player in the nation by Rivals.com, Scout.com 247.com, highest ranking in history for a Clemson signee by that service…No. 5 overall player in the nation by PrepStar…ESPN has him ranked No. 6 and Tom Lemming has him No. 7…. the No. one or two player at his position according to 247 Sports, Rivals, and Scout…ESPN has him third…top player in the state of North Carolina according to all services….the Associated Press Prep Player of the Year in North Carolina in 2015… played in the U.S. Army All-America game…first-team all-state, he was the top vote getter on the defense…had 91 tackles, 21 tackles for a loss, 13 sacks, and 16 quarterback hurries in 12 games as a senior…helped Wake Forest to a 12-1 record his senior year…team won first 12 games, then lost in playoffs…had four double figure tackle games and had at least one sack in first nine games of 2015…had 55 tackles, 10 sacks, 25 tackles for loss, three blocked kicks and three forced fumbles as a junior … helped team to a 15-1 record and a berth in 4A State Championship game…played in two State title games at Wake Forest…had 56 tackles, including 19 tackles for loss and five sacks as a sophomore…for his career had 204 career tackles, 65 tackles for loss and 28 sacks…added six caused fumbles and three fumble recoveries…blocked five field goals over his career…Clemson was his first college offer…played three years of high school basketball…as a junior averaged 10.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, three blocks and shot 59 percent from the field…recruited by Brent Venables, Robbie Caldwell and Dan Brooks…. he wore No. 71…committed to Clemson on December 14, 2015…majoring in general engineer…narrowed his college choices to Clemson, Ohio State, Southern Cal, Alabama and Florida…participated in math camps as a youngster… coached by Reggie Lucas at Wake Forest High School…recruited by Robbie Caldwell and Dan Brooks.

Mickey Plyler on Lawrence: If Clemson fans liked Christian Wilkins, they are gonna love Lawrence. Actually they are two different types of players even though that are both five star defensive tackles. Lawrence is that massive rock that can lock down the interior. He will command double teams from day one. This is a rare athlete that moves like a 290-pounder in a 330-pound frame. The combination of Wilkins and Lawrence will drive opponents crazy.

Reminds Plyler of: Chester McGlockton

Nyles Pinckney DT 6-2, 288 Seabrook, SC

Enrolled at Clemson in January 2016…had outstanding senior year with 72 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, four sacks, six caused fumbles, three recovered fumbles, two blocked punts and two defensive touchdowns in 2015…named the Beaufort Gazette’s All-Area Defensive Player of the Year … had 98 tackles, 27 for loss, nine sacks, blocked three field goals, 10 forced fumbles and eight fumble recoveries as a junior … had 91 tackles, 16 tackles for loss and seven sacks as a sophomore … ranked as high as the No. 79 player in the nation by Tom Lemming…ranked as No. 196 player in the nation and the No. 2 overall player in South Carolina by Rivals.com…ranked No. 261 in the nation and No. 4 player in South Carolina by ESPN.com… visited the 2014 Dabo Swinney football camp in June … committed to Clemson on August 21, 2015… majoring in business administration….his college choices came down to Clemson and South Carolina…played his high school football for Jerry Hatcher at Whale Branch High School…recruited by Tony Elliott and Dan Brooks.

Mickey Plyler on Pinckney: In many years, Pinckney would be the best defensive tackle in a class, but Lawrence stole the show this year. Pinckney is a bright young man who is a high character prospect. He has a chance to develop into a very good college player and one that I expect will work hard and improve each year.

Reminds Plyler of: DeShawn Williams

Sean Pollard OG 6-5, 295 Southern Pines, NC

Enrolled at Clemson in January 2016…first-team Associated Press All-State offensive lineman in 2014 and 2015…ranked as the No. 17 player in the state by AP…invited to The Opening in Oregon in summer prior to senior year…played in the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl…first-team all-conference in 2014 and 2015…helped his 2014 team to 11-3 record…ranked in the top 200 players nationally… rated as No. 129 overall player by Scout.com…listed 173 by ESPN.com and 177 by Rivals…ESPN has Pollard as 10th best player in North Carolina and Rivals lists him as 11th best in the state…ESPN also has him as 10th best player at his position in the nation …attended the 2014 Dabo Swinney football camp in June… committed to Clemson 12/19/14… narrowed his school choices to Clemson, Duke, Miami and North Carolina….played his high school football for Chris Metzger…recruited by Robbie Caldwell.

Mickey Plyler on Pollard: It's hard judging offensive linemen from their video of their careers, but I like seeing how they play in their all-star games. Pollard was very impressive in his national all-star game. I was surprised how well he ran. He has a great frame and plays hard but his feet were the biggest surprise. You can see that he is the second best offensive lineman in North Carolina and maybe the second best offensive lineman in the Carolinas.

Reminds Plyler of: Glenn Roundtree

Rahshaun Smith LB 6-3, 240 Bradenton, FL

Enrolled at Clemson in January of 2016…A five-star linebacker…second-team USA Today All-American…played in the Under Armour All-American game…No. 1 player in Maryland in the Class of 2016 and the No. 6 overall player in the nation according to Rivals.com… No. 1 OLB, No. 5 player in Maryland and the No. 21 player by ESPN.com… ranked as No. 17 overall player in the nation by Tom Lemming…PrepStar ranks Smith as No. 28 overall player in the nation…had 89 tackles, four sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in the 2015 season…played for IMG Academy in Florida in 2015…had those 89 tackles in just eight games…IMG was 9-0 for the season…had 15 tackles in a game twice, each of his last two games of the year…had 79-yard fumble return against Bergen Catholic for a touchdown…had at least one TFL in seven of his eight games…had double figures in tackles in four of the eight games…had 111 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, four sacks and two interceptions in 2014 for St. Frances Academy in Maryland…opened that season with 13 tackles and two interceptions … recruited by Brent Venables… narrowed his college choices to Clemson, Auburn, and LSU…played for Kevin Wright at St. Frances and Chris Weinke at IMG Academy…recruited by Brent Venables and Mike Reed.

Mickey Plyler on Smith: You can see how this is one of the nation's top ten players. He has great explosiveness. Great acceleration. Smith is physical and plays with an edge. I do think he has a transition to make to linebacker at the college level but when the light comes on then look out. I can't wait to see how he progresses this spring. Venables loves to send his linebackers and Smith is a terrific pass rusher.

Reminds Plyler of: Tony Steward

Tavien Feaster RB 5-11, 195 Spartanburg, SC

A consensus top 50 player nationally…played in U.S. Army All-American game…first-team USA Today All-American…ranked as No. 14 player in the nation by 247 Sports, he is the No. 1 running back and No. 1 player in South Carolina…ranked No. 27 overall player by Scout.com, No. 38 by Tom Lemming and No. 57 by Prep Star…ranked as No. 53 player by ESPN, the fifth best running back and the top player in the state of South Carolina… voted Mr. Football in the state of South Carolina for 2015 and Mr. Track as a junior in Spring of 2015…Gatorade Track Athlete of the Year in South Carolina as a junior…played for South Carolina in the Shrine Bowl…as a senior had 1121 yards rushing and scored 10 touchdowns…had 64-976 and 12 touchdowns as a receiver…as a junior, Feaster had 133 carries for 1153 yards and 15 touchdowns, and 45 receptions for 1016 yards and 11 scores…so he had at least 1000 yards rushing and receiving during 2014 season…almost did it as a senior with 1121 rushing and 976 receiving…In the 2014 state title game, he rushed for 130 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries, and also had five receptions for 132 yards and a touchdown…had a 44-yard interception return on defensive side of the ball in 2014…. as a sophomore, he had 171 carries for 1,429 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground and 44 receptions for 723 yards and 12 touchdowns…for his career in 37 games, had 459 rushes for 3703 yards and 40 touchdowns…had 153 receptions for 2715 yards and 35 touchdowns…scored 78 total touchdowns in his career…had six games in his career in which he had at least 100 yards rushing and 100 yards receiving…had five games with at least 200 yards from scrimmage as a sophomore…went over 200 yards from scrimmage in each of his last three games as a junior...finished career with 6,562 all-purpose yards and 6,418 yards from scrimmage, an average of 173.5 yards per game…. Mr. Track in the State of South Carolina as a junior…all-region in track from eighth grade through junior year…all-state all four of those years…a four-year region champion and the state champion in the 100-meter dash and 200 (21.29) as a sophomore and junior…has state record in 200 at 21.11 and the 100 meters at 10.42…4A Track Athlete of the Year as a sophomore and junior….from same high school as former NFL and Auburn running back Stephen Davis…played his high school football for Chris Miller at Spartanburg High School…ran track for Glover Smiley….selected Clemson over offers from South Carolina, Tennessee, Auburn and Georgia…recruited by Jeff Scott and Tony Elliott.

Mickey Plyler on Feaster: I saw Feaster in person several times as a sophomore and junior. He is one of the most dynamic playmakers this state has seen in the last five seasons. Feaster has a burst. He has a tremendous acceleration and top end speed. Feaster is also a good receiver out of the back field. My only concerns are the nagging injuries he had as a senior.

Reminds Plyler of: Straight line speed of Kenny Flowers. Hands of Terrrence Flagler

T.J. Chase WR 6-2, 180 Plant City, FL

Ranked as No. 115 overall player in the nation, the 10th best player in Florida by ESPN.com…among 247 Sports top 200 as well…played in the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl…all-conference, all-district and Tampa Bay Times All-County…honorable mention all-state…four-year player in high school…played his freshman, sophomore and senior years at Plant City and his junior year at IMG Academy…as a senior had 32 receptions for 593 yards and nine touchdowns…had at least one touchdown reception in each of his last seven games as a senior…also played on defense as a senior and had 79 tackles, including 13 stops against Lennard High School…starter at wide receiver and free safety in 2015…had two interceptions and nine passes defensed as a senior…had an interception return for a score and a receiving score against Tampa Bay Tech as a senior…as a junior at IMG, had 25-521 and five touchdowns…as a sophomore at Plant City had 28-562 and four scores…also had three interceptions as a sophomore…as a freshman had 19-466 and a touchdown…for his high school career, had 104 receptions for 2142 yards and 19 touchdowns…that is 20.6 yards per reception…had 23 total touchdowns in his high school career…played at Plant City High for Greg Meyer… played for former Florida State quarterback Chris Weinke at IMG as a junior…Plant City finished the 2015 season with an 11-2 record, the best season in the history of the school…also played basketball at Plant City…selected Clemson over offers from Florida State, Florida, Georgia and Notre Dame…recruited by Jeff Scott and Tony Elliott.

Mickey Plyler on Chase: Chase looks smooth coming out off of the line and out of his cuts. He makes things look easy on video. He does a lot of this well, but I really like his versatility. He is not just a screen guy or just a deep ball guy or just a jump ball guy. Perhaps the biggest compliment you can give him is that he looks like a Clemson receiver prospect.

Reminds Plyler of: Terry Smith

J.C. Chalk TE 6-4, 230 Argyle, TX

Had solid senior year with 48 receptions for 545 yards and seven touchdowns… played in the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl in California…first-team unanimous all-district choice as a junior and a senior…helped his team to 14-2 record and berth in state championship game …in 2014, he had 36 catches for 486 yards and seven touchdowns…team finished with 15-1 record and a berth in state championship game…in 2013, he had 7 catches for 90 yards…team finished 16-0 and won the state championship...finished his career with 91 catches for 1031 yards and 14 touchdowns first met Clemson Coach Dabo Swinney in the third grade when he was at a reunion for the 1992 Alabama National Championship team…also an outstanding basketball player, starter in the front court each of the last two years…as a junior helped team to state championship game on the hardwood…lost just one basketball game and one football game during the 2014-15 academic year…played his high school football for Todd Rodgers… grandson of former Alabama coach Gene Stallings, who coached Dabo Swinney at Alabama… Clemson tight ends coach Danny Pearman also coached under his grandfather….… narrowed his college choices to Clemson, Texas A&M, Texas and Mississippi…recruited by Danny Pearman.

Mickey Plyler on Chalk: I really like the tight ends at Clemson and Chalk fits right in. He has versatility that has been lacking at the position. I think he blocks well enough to make an early impact but is athletic enough to stay on the field and help in the passing game.

Reminds Plyler of: Michael Palmer

Zerrick Cooper QB 6-3, 195 Jonesboro, GA

Ranked among the top 300 overall players in the nation by ESPN, 247 sports, Rivals and Scout…listed as fourth best overall player in Georgia by ESPN.com…ESPN also lists him as ninth best QB in the nation…seventh best QB in the nation by 247 Sports… played quarterback and safety at Jonesboro High School….as a quarterback in 2015 completed 161-267 passes for 2,039 yards and 21 touchdowns…threw just four interceptions…helped team to a 11-2 record and the quarterfinals of the state playoffs…also added 359 yards rushing…named the Region 4 Player of the Year…also all-county and honorable mention all-state…injured as a junior, but a part time starter as a sophomore when he completed 86-155 passes for 1200 yards and eight scores…also starter on the basketball team as a senior, he was key reserve as a sophomore.… originally from the Miami (FL) area…played his high school football for De’Timothy Floyd….selected Clemson over offers from Florida and Kentucky…recruited by Mike Reed and Brandon Streeter.

Mickey Plyler on Cooper: Cooper came into Clemson's camp and lit it up a couple of years ago. He is a good athlete but make no mistake he is a pass-first guy. Cooper can move around and make plays with his feet but he is a passer. I think the first day he is on campus he is better than all Clemson quarterbacks not named Watson or Bryant.

Reminds Plyler of: Maybe Tajh Boyd

Diondre Overton WR 6-5, 195 Greensboro, NC

Ranked among the top 150 players in the nation by ESPN…they have him ranked No 135 overall, sixth best in the state of North Carolina and as the 18th best wide receiver in the nation…ranked No. 195 overall by 247 Sports, No. 234 by Rivals and No. 231 by Scout.com…eighth best player in state of North Carolina by Rivals….played in the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl…played in the Shrine Bowl for North Carolina…had terrific senior year with 78 catches for 1251 yards and 15 touchdowns…also had a rushing touchdown for 16 total touchdowns…also had seven interceptions on defensive side and 34 total tackles…as a junior had 31 receptions for 577 yards and four scores, an average of 18.6 yards per catch…team finished with a 13-3 record on the gridiron…also a starter on the basketball team where he averaged 14.6 points a game as a junior…also had 6.2 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game…shot 55 percent from the field for team that finished 21-6…averaged 8.2 points a game as a sophomore on the hard court… played his high school football for Kevin Gillespie…selected Clemson over offers from Tennessee, South Carolina, NC State and North Carolina…recruited by Robbie Caldwell and Jeff Scott.

Mickey Plyler on Overton: This class needed a tall wide receiver that has basketball type skills. They needed a guy who can go make plays on the deep ball and make smaller DBs look bad on the jump ball stuff. Overton fits this perfectly. He is still raw in some areas but he has a huge upside. With Mike Williams coming back, this gives Overton time to develop.

Reminds Plyler of: Mike Williams, Kevin Youngblood

Xavier Kelly DE 6-5, 255 Wichita, KS

First Clemson signee from the state of Kansas since Jason Gamble in 1996…ranked as consensus top 150 player in the nation…ranked No. 84 overall player by 247 Sports…they rank him as No. 1 player in Kansas and eighth best DE in the nation…listed as No. 113 player overall by Scout.com and No. 154 by both ESPN and Prep Star…Rivals has Kelly No. 141 overall and second best player in Kansas…ESPN also has him as No. 1 player in Kansas…played in the U.S. Army All-American game…had 72 tackles as a senior, 39 first hits and 33 assists in just nine games…had 12 tackles for loss, including 8.5 sacks…also an outstanding basketball player, a three-year starter and double figure scorer all three years…started at center on the East High School 6A State Championship team of 2015…honorable mention all-state as a basketball player…played his high school football for Bill Coffman…selected Clemson over offers from Georgia, Oklahoma, Kansas State and Alabama…recruited by Brent Venables and Marion Hobby.

Mickey Plyler on Kelly: It says a lot that the staff knew they were limited in the number of defensive ends it could sign and also the fact that they really didn't find only in the Carolinas or Georgia. So Venables went on a national search and found this terrific prospect in Kansas. Kelly is extremely athletic. I think he is perhaps the most underrated prospect in this class. Lawrence and the wide outs and the linebackers steal the show, but Kelly is a great prospect. He has a great frame and explosiveness. It wouldn't surprise me to see him play as a true freshman. He is athletic like Austin Bryant and Clein Ferrell from the previous class.

Reminds Plyler of: Clelin Ferrell

Jamie Skalski LB 6-1, 225 Newnan, GA

Outstanding all-around player and all-around athlete at Northgate High School in Georgia…standout on the football field and the soccer field…will leave Northgate High as the school’s most decorated athlete…made first-team all-state as a linebacker and second-team all-state as a punter…first-team all-state linebacker by Atlanta Constitution and the Georgia Sports Writers Association, second team all-state punter by Georgia Sports Writers…Region 4 5A Defensive Player of the Year…named the MVP of the Newnan area…led the team in tackles with 170, 33 of which were tackles for loss…had 11 sacks, three caused fumbles, two caused fumbles and an interception…had a pair of defensive touchdowns as well…handled the punts and had over a 40-yard average…also handled kickoffs and was second-team All-Region kicker as well…also running back at times for Northgate team that finished 12-2, the most wins in school history…also a three-year starter in soccer…actually played football and soccer at the same time during the fall of 2013…from an athletic family, his sister, Brenna, plays softball at Georgia State and his father played football for two years at Oklahoma…wore No. 47 his first couple of years, he had to change to No. 22 because he outgrew his no. 47 jersey… played his high school football for Tommy Walburn…selected Clemson over offers from Louisville and South Carolina…recruited by Mike Reed and Brent Venables.

Mickey Plyler on Skalski: His film is really good. Skalski is a head-hunter that attacks ball carriers. He runs well, but arrives in a bad mood. There is a lot of talk about Lamar and Smith, but I think Skalski may avoid a red-shirt, especially if he can help in special teams.

Reminds Plyler of: John Leake

Cornell Powell WR 6-1, 200 Greenville, NC

Ranked as No. 36 overall player in the nation by Rivals.com…fourth best player in the state of North Carolina…ranked No. 153 overall player by Prep Stars… had outstanding game in the Shrine Bowl for North Carolina with 264 all-purpose yards and two scores…had 4-54 receiving and a touchdown, and had 4-203 on kickoff returns, including a 99-yard return for a touchdown….that was no surprise to anyone as Powell had a touchdown on a kickoff return in each of the first three games of the 2015 season….then teams stopped kicking to him…had incredible senior year, leading Rose High school to a 12-3 record and the berth in the state championship….had 65 receptions for 1557 yards and 25 touchdowns…that is an average of 24 yards per catch…also had 23 rushes for 249 yards and five scores, he averaged 11 yards per rush…in terms of returns, had 21 kickoff returns for 754 yards and four scores, a 36-yard average…had 10 punt returns for 353 yards and four scores, a 35.3 average…overall, had 38 touchdowns in 2015, 25 receiving, five rushing, and eight on kick returns…first-team all-state as a junior and senior…had 67 receptions for 1248 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2014…added 14-445 yards on kickoff returns for 32-yard average…had 23 total touchdowns…in 2013, he had 47 catches for 1,228 yards and 21 touchdowns… had 24 total touchdowns…for his career, had 203 receptions for his 52 games for 4,301 yards and 68 touchdowns…had 110 rushes for 828 yards and 13 touchdowns, he averaged 7.5 yards per rush…had 1200 kickoff return yards and 353 punt return yards…. also four-year letterman in basketball…averaged 15 points per game as a freshman, 20.4 as a sophomore, 17.1 as a junior and 18.4 through seven games as a senior…also averages eight rebounds a game for his career to go with three assists and three steals…55 percent field goal shooter for his career through 64 games…had 1,145 career points and 508 career rebounds through seven games of his senior year…played his high school football for David Wojtecki…recruited by Dan Brooks and Jeff Scott.

Mickey Plyler on Powell: This is the most complete receiver in this class. Simply stated, Powell can do it all. He catches the ball well. He high points it well. He is explosive in the open field. Powell is a terrific kick return prospect. He works hard and takes his trade serious. It would be hard for any freshman to crack the lineup at receiver this year's but I think Powell gets a shot at early playing time.

Reminds Plyler of: Tony Horne

Chandler Reeves OT 6-6, 255 McDonough, GA

Two-time Georgia all-state offensive lineman at Eagles Landing Christian School…region lineman of the year in 2015…tallest of Clemson’s incoming signees class at 6-6…outstanding all-around athlete, he also plays on his high school tennis team…all-state as a senior when he helped Eagles Landing to the State Championship and an 11-3 record…they defeated Aquinas High School for the state title…graded out at 92 percent or better in every game in 2015 and led the team in pancake blocks with 44…did not give up a sack all year…played four years of high school football, he was a starter on the offensive line for three years…all-state and all-region as a junior when he helped Eagles Landing to runner-up honors in the state… played his high school football for Jonathan Gess…recruited by Marion Hobby and Robbie Caldwell.

Mickey Plyler on Reeves: Reeves is a tackle prospect who looks like he moves his feet well on video. Clemson needs tackles and Reeves probably needs to red-shirt but depth is an issue. He will have a big jump in competition and needs to change his body a little but Reeves will get a look in camp.

Reminds Plyler of: John McDermott

Nolan Turner S 6-2, 190 Vestavia Hills, AL

Had 63 tackles and five interceptions as a safety as a senior…also outstanding as a receiver, he caught four touchdown passes…had 63 yard TD reception in season opener...second game of the year had 10 tackles on defense and caught a touchdown pass…had pass deflection on last play of the game to clinch win over rival Hoover High…had a touchdown reception in a state playoff victory as well…helped his team to a 9-3 record and second round of the playoffs….named honorable mention all-state as a defensive back by the Birmingham News… his father, Kevin Turner, played football with Swinney at Alabama…he went on to play eight years in the NFL with New England and Philadelphia …played his high school football for Buddy Anderson….also a member of the Vestavia Hills basketball team….selected Clemson over offer from UAB…recruited by Marion Hobby.

Mickey Plyler on Turner: I knew nothing of Turner until late in the process but his video looks pretty good. He seems to have nice size and range. I understand he is a really bright prospect as well. Hopefully this is more than just a feel good story. There will be opportunities to grab reps in a rebuilt secondary.

Reminds Plyler of: Chad Speck

Cade Stewart OT 6-4, 300 Central, SC

Two-year starter on offensive line who helped Daniel High to state championship game in 2015…follows a long line of players from nearby Daniel to come to Clemson…former Daniel players now in the NFL who went through Clemson include DeAndre Hopkins (Pro Bowler, Houston), Jarvis Jenkins (Chicago Bears), DeShawn Williams (Cincinnati) and 2015 All-American Shaq Lawson who will join the NFL in 2016….ranked as No. 19 player in South Carolina by 247 Sports…named to the Shrine Bowl for the South Carolina team…played for Randy Robinson…recruited by Brent Venables.

Mickey Plyler on Stewart: Stewart is a really good offensive line prospect that starts with a solid baseline. He has been well coached and is fundamentally very sound. He really impressed the Shrine Bowl staff. Like most offensive linemen, he is a couple of years away but he has a lot of tools to start with.

Reminds Plyler of: Nathan Bennett

Brian Dawkins Jr. CB 5-8, 170 Fork Union, VA

Son of former Clemson All-American and NFL great Brian Dawkins, a nine-time Pro Bowler…played four years at Valor Christian High School in Colorado and that team won the state championship three of those years… …had 83 tackles his senior year when the team had a 10-4 record…had three double figure tackle games in 2014…had an interception or a pass deflection in 11 of the 14 games…had four interceptions for 16 return yards in 2014, he also had seven passes defended…as a junior in 2013 had 40 tackles, including 4.5 tackles for loss…had career high six interceptions for 85 yards and added eight passes broken up…also had a fumble recovery…finished his career with 10 interceptions for 101 yards and seven tackles for loss…all-state and all-league his junior and senior seasons…played in the Blue-Grey All-Star game…played the 2015 season at Fork Union in Virginia…also played basketball in high school and ran track.… was a league champion in the long jump, ran the 100m dash, and ran on several sprint relay teams…played his high school football for Rod Sherman…recruited by Mike Reed.

Mickey Plyler on Dawkins: I have not seen a lot of his video yet but I do know there is a need in the secondary and on special teams. There is a great opportunity to make an impact here with the departures from last season.

Reminds Plyler of: Hopefully his old man

Isaiah Simmons CB 6-3, 205 Olathe, KS

Fine all-around player at Olathe North High School in Olathe, Kan….first-team all-state on both sides of the ball…first-team all-state as a defensive back, but he had some great stats on offense as well…had 92 tackles on defense and had 29 receptions for 994 yards and 13 touchdowns, an average of 34.3 yards per reception…this was his first year as a wide receiver on offense…had a long TD catch of 82 yards…had 23 rushes for 148 yards and two scores…also had a 98-yard kickoff return for a score, his only kickoff return of the year, and a fumble return for a score…finished with 17 total touchdowns as a senior…helped his team to a 10-2 record in 2015…coached by Chris McCartney….also outstanding in track, he has been state champion in the long jump each of the last two years with a career best of 23-8…selected Clemson over offers from Michigan, Nebraska, Missouri and Louisville….recruited by Brent Venables.

Mickey Plyler on Simmons: Simmons is a huge safety that looks like Kearse did coming out of high school. He is known for his hitting. Simmons got nice reviews from his national all-star game and his video is impressive. Obviously this is a position where Clemson will need some immediate help and a place where depth is a big concern.

Reminds Plyler of: Jayron Kearse

John Simpson OG 6-4, 290 North Charleston, SC

Played in the U.S. Army All-American game in San Antonio…ranked No. 151 overall player in the country by 247 Sports…they also list him as second best overall player in South Carolina and seventh best player at his position…ranked No. 183 overall player in the nation by Scout.com, they also list him as No. 13 player at his position…an ESPN top 300 player, he is ranked No. 232 overall, the second best player in South Carolina and14th best at his position…Rivals.com also lists Simpson as third best player in South Carolina….finalist for Mr. Football in state of South Carolina…was named Palmetto Lineman of the Year…also a state champion in wrestling as a junior…played for Steve LaPrad…selected Clemson over Florida and LSU…recruited by Tony Elliott and Robbie Caldwell.

Mickey Plyler on Simpson: Simpson is a high upside guy. He is a terrific wrestler and understand leverage. He is still raw in football but he has good feet and is very strong. I think he could play inside or outside but my guess is he makes the depth chart pretty early on inside. This is the best offensive line prospect in the state and it gives Clemson two of the three best offensive linemen in the Carolinas in the class.

Reminds Plyler of: Eric Harmon

Trayvon Mullen CB 6-1, 170 Pompano Beach, FL

Second-team USA Today All-American cornerback…played in the US Army All-American game…ranked as the No. 18 player in the nation according to ESPN.com…they have hi as the second best cornerback and fourth best player in the state of Florida…ranked as No. 60 player in the nation by 247 Sports, sixth best cornerback and 10th best player in the state…Tom Lemming has Mullen as 66th best overall player in the nation and Scout.com has him No. 72…ranked No. 81 player in the nation by Prep Stars…Rivals.com has him No. 117 overall, 10th best cornerback and 16th best player in Florida....had outstanding year on offense at Coconut Creek High School in Florida…had 45 receptions for 800 yards, a 17.8 average…had 98-yard interception return for a touchdown as a freshman…unanimous 4-star player who narrowed his choices to Clemson, TCU, LSU, Louisville and Florida State….coached by Kareem Reid…recruited by Brent Venables and Mike Reed.

Mickey Plyler on Mullen: Mullen is one of the nation's top ranked defensive back prospects. He has great quickness and top end speed. It is easy to see why two schools like LSU and FSU liked him. He looks like what they have been playing with in the secondary.

Reminds Plyler of: Bashaud Breeland

K'Von Wallace S 5-11, 180 Highland Springs, VA

First-team all-state selection on both sides of the football by Virginia High School Sports League…named as a wide receiver and a defensive back…showed his abilities on both sides of the ball in Virginia 5A State Championship Game when he had five receptions for 99 yards and two touchdowns on offense and an interception in the endzone on defense…his High Springs team finished 14-1 and won the state championship, the first for his school since 1961…for the year had 718 yards receiving and 376 rushing…scored 14 total touchdowns overall…did most of his rushing as a Wildcat Quarterback…in third game of the 2015 season played the position for most of the game and completed 3-7 passes for 86 yards and a score, and had five rushes for 114 yards and a score leading team to 31-14 win over Meadowbrook…in addition to all-state recognition, named all-metro…number-four overall player in Richmond area by Richmond Times Dispatch…team ranked No. 43 in the nation and No. 1 in Virginia by Max Preps in 2015…as a junior had 17 receptions for 450 yards (26.5 yards per catch) and four touchdowns on offense, 27 tackles and an interception on defense…also contributed 13 rushes for 166 yards and two scores…team finished 11-1 as a junior….also outstanding in track, he competed in the New Balance National High School Championships in New York City in March of 2015…his strong senior year on the gridiron led to offers from Clemson and Ohio State in late January…played for head coach Loren Johnson….selected Clemson over offers from Michigan State, Pittsburgh and Ohio State…recruited by Mike Reed.

Mickey Plyler on Wallace: Wallace is a taller defensive back with good athleticism. I say Tankersley due to his exception ball skills. Many schools thought he could play wide out at this level. He has safety height but corner quickness.

Reminds Plyler of: Cordrea Tanklersley

* Bios from Clemson Sports Information

Ultimate Level LogoUpgrade Your Account

Unlock premium boards and exclusive features (e.g. ad-free) by upgrading your account today.

Upgrade Now
Comment on this story
Print   
Send Feedback to TigerNet Staff: Email | Comment
Game time, TV channel, Vegas odds on Clemson-Alabama in Elite 8
Game time, TV channel, Vegas odds on Clemson-Alabama in Elite 8
WATCH: Clemson vs. Arizona Sweet 16 extended highlights
WATCH: Clemson vs. Arizona Sweet 16 extended highlights
Everything Brad Brownell said after Clemson advanced to the Elite 8
Everything Brad Brownell said after Clemson advanced to the Elite 8
Scanlon's walk-off homer lifts Hurricanes over No. 2 Tigers
Scanlon's walk-off homer lifts Hurricanes over No. 2 Tigers
Post your comments!