Clemson Lays Elite Foundation

 By Colby Lanham || Clemson Athletic Communications

Clemson entered and exited National Signing Day with little drama, but there little cause for concern as the Tigers welcomed 26 newcomers into the football program. Clemson’s class consisted of three five-star recruits and nine four star commits. Out of the Tigers’ 25 signees, 13 of them were ranked in the ESPN 300.

Clemson’s 14 early enrolles ranked as the most in the country, and the Tigers have only continued to esablish themselves on the recruiting trail these past few years. Dan Wolken of USA Today talks about how Clemson’s string of recruiting success has helped provide the Tigers with an elite foundation since Swinney became head coach. 

“From a perception standpoint, few programs have come as far as quickly as Clemson. Once dismissed as a fraud that got by against the ACC’s weak sisters but gagged on the big stage, the Tigers have beaten Oklahoma, Ohio State, Georgia and LSU the past three seasons and haven’t lost to a team outside the top 25 since N.C. State in 2011. That’s not an accident.”

-Dan Wolken, College Football Writer, USA Today 

From Clemson’s success in not only recruiting, but player development and on-field performance, the Tigers aren’t going to be out of the mix anytime soon, and have quickly established an elite foundation for themselves. From its family atmosphere to its rise to national contention, Clemson looks like it might just be getting started.

Read Wolken’s article as he chronicles Swinney and the Clemson football coaching staff on their recruiting successes from National Signing Day.