As you know, Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy five-star linebacker Rahshaun Smith withdrew his commitment from Clemson via Twitter earlier today.
The timing of my post regarding receiver commitment Cornell Powell and the difference between unofficial and official visits was not incidental.
The bottom line: No one is going to be taking official visits elsewhere in the fall as a Clemson commitment.
Dabo Swinney made that clear to Smith in a phone conversation last night.
I’ve spoken with several contacts on all sides of the equation the last 24 hours, and here’s what we know:
Clemson’s relationship with Smith remains in good standing. In fact, some within the program believe this doesn’t project to impact the final outcome at all. The Tigers are scheduled to have the final official visit, and there is some internal sentiment he still winds up with Clemson as an early enrollee. That, essentially, nothing has really changed.
Smith has, in fact, communicated with other Clemson commitments today that he intends to reaffirm his pledge once he has taken the round of official visits.
Our information is that Clemson isn’t going to suddenly expand its linebacker board and go after replacements for this scholarship spot.
Smith is the guy, and the Tigers will proceed as if they are the frontrunner to retain him. To that end, we’re not so sure that third linebacker spot isn’t an oversign, anyhow, given the stature of both Smith and four-star Tre Lamar.
Smith, we are told by a source close to the prospect, will not be conducting media interviews about his recruitment in the near future.
In his interview Wednesday with Rivals.com regional analyst Rob Cassidy, Smith indicated he had dates arranged for official visits at LSU and Auburn. Of the two, Auburn currently holds his greater interest.
Smith also contended outsiders were jumping the gun in supposing he would follow his mentor/trainer/father figure, Cory Robinson, to Maryland.
We’re not alone in holding the belief Maryland still represents the stiffest challenge to land Smith.
NOTE: Please do not post or summarize any portion of this post to other message boards or web sites. Thank you.
The timing of my post regarding receiver commitment Cornell Powell and the difference between unofficial and official visits was not incidental.
The bottom line: No one is going to be taking official visits elsewhere in the fall as a Clemson commitment.
Dabo Swinney made that clear to Smith in a phone conversation last night.
I’ve spoken with several contacts on all sides of the equation the last 24 hours, and here’s what we know:
Clemson’s relationship with Smith remains in good standing. In fact, some within the program believe this doesn’t project to impact the final outcome at all. The Tigers are scheduled to have the final official visit, and there is some internal sentiment he still winds up with Clemson as an early enrollee. That, essentially, nothing has really changed.
Smith has, in fact, communicated with other Clemson commitments today that he intends to reaffirm his pledge once he has taken the round of official visits.
Our information is that Clemson isn’t going to suddenly expand its linebacker board and go after replacements for this scholarship spot.
Smith is the guy, and the Tigers will proceed as if they are the frontrunner to retain him. To that end, we’re not so sure that third linebacker spot isn’t an oversign, anyhow, given the stature of both Smith and four-star Tre Lamar.
Smith, we are told by a source close to the prospect, will not be conducting media interviews about his recruitment in the near future.
In his interview Wednesday with Rivals.com regional analyst Rob Cassidy, Smith indicated he had dates arranged for official visits at LSU and Auburn. Of the two, Auburn currently holds his greater interest.
Smith also contended outsiders were jumping the gun in supposing he would follow his mentor/trainer/father figure, Cory Robinson, to Maryland.
We’re not alone in holding the belief Maryland still represents the stiffest challenge to land Smith.
NOTE: Please do not post or summarize any portion of this post to other message boards or web sites. Thank you.
