The process has moved fast the last week for new Clemson offensive line target Chandler Reeves.
As we’ve documented, Reeves (6-6, 260) narrowed his list to Georgia Tech and Clemson after earning offers at their camps the last 10 days. The McDonough (Ga.) Eagle’s Christian Academy offensive tackle then brought his parents back to see Clemson on Saturday after picking up his offer via a Tuesday camp showing.
The next step occurred Monday when Reeves took his parents to see Georgia Tech for a closer look at their academics and program.
Based on our two interview articles here and here, it should come as no surprise the Yellow Jackets had Reeves meet with their team chaplain while on campus.
Per our sources, Reeves exited telling folks he intended to pump the brakes on making an immediate decision and wants to wait until perhaps August to pull the trigger on a commitment. To that end, he may reschedule his previously planned visit to N.C. State.
We’re not so sure that all adds up, frankly, although it is realistic that time lends to clarity to a situation wherein his head could suddenly be spinning.
He has not conducted interviews since departing Georgia Tech, which could be telling more of an imminent decision.
Which, of course, would fall in line with our belief Reeves is trending decidedly toward Clemson.
There typically would be some question as to whether his suitors would wait till the end of the summer for him. But in this offensive line market, there don’t appear to be many options for Clemson or Georgia Tech other than waiting if need be.
Rome (Ga.) Darlington’s Patrick Kearns backed out of Clemson camp when childhood favorite LSU called to invite him to camp. Then LSU offered and scored a commitment from Bay Minette (Ala.) Baldwin County’s Jakori Savage, who didn’t have a power conference offer until South Carolina and Kentucky offered last month. Kearns is looking to visit Georgia Tech but is mulling recent offers from Florida, Virginia Tech and N.C. State as well.
A name we’ve been asked about on occasion is LaGrange (Ga.) three-star Luke Elder, whom Clemson backed off of during the spring because he is more than likely a guard. Elder’s stock took a greater hit across recruiting boards when he tore up a knee during spring ball. He showed up at South Carolina’s camp Friday with a bulky brace and did not compete. We don’t believe the majority of his listed offers are necessarily committable at this time.
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For the second straight year, Lexington (S.C.) 2016 receiver Jayson Hopper was one of the consensus standouts at the Swinney Camp. It wasn’t uncommon for those on the defensive side of the coin to cite him as the best receiver at the first session.
Hopper (6-1, 190) is sitting on offers from Appalachian State, Gardner-Webb, Charleston Southern and Presbyterian. Wake Forest had him at camp but is expected to take only one more receiver, while he also performed at UNC on Monday.
Just as he did last year, Hopper competed for a full three-day Swinney camp session.
Clemson is the offer he covets, and the Tigers like him. But with scholarship space already tight and four-star Diondre Overton potentially on the hook, space simply might not be available.
Swinney spent considerable time with Hopper during a late break in camp and asked that he remain patient. Clemson offered Hopper a preferred walk-on spot, pointing to how Hunter Renfrow is on the brink of being moved to scholarship.
Hopper told TigerIllustrated.com he intends to wait the process out.
“I want to play at Clemson,” he said. “It’s my dream.”
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A closing word on Asheville (N.C.) Christian School defensive end Wale Ogundeyi, the intriguing Nigerian who camped twice at Clemson last week – the same number of football practices he previously held on his belt.
Since Ogundeyi (6-8, 245) hit the radar with his Clemson appearance, we’re told East Carolina, Wofford and Charleston Southern have reached out to express interest in him as well. Clemson plans to monitor his progress during his senior season this fall.
When you’re a defensive coordinator and you stumble upon a 6-8, 245-pounder no one has heard of …
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A NASCAR celebrity appeared at Clemson’s camp Saturday to watch his son compete.
Dr. Jerry Punch, longtime racing and college football sideline reporter for ESPN, was on campus with his son, Knoxville (Tenn.) Catholic 2016 long-snapper Logan Punch.
Logan (6-0, 240) attended the Clemson specialist camp and also worked out at Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia Tech and South Carolina. Offensive line coach Robbie Caldwell is the area recruiter, and the Tigers are considering a preferred walk-on opportunity.
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