Report Card: Clemson
National Signing Day
Overall: Clemson didn't land a marquee player with the "wow" factor, but signed a talented and deep class. Getting LB Justin Parker was a nice addition on signing day. ATH DeAndre Hopkins, DT Josh Watson, WR Martavis Bryant and CB Darius Robinson headline a top-20 class for the Tigers.
Quarterback: Tigers coach Dabo Swinney talked about filling needs with this class. With Willy Korn gone to Marshall and the possibility that Kyle Parker could bolt for pro baseball, this was a need for the Tigers, which they did not meet. No quarterbacks were signed in this class.
Grade: F
Running Backs: With Andre Ellington and Jamie Harper back, the need at running back wasn't huge. ATH D.J. Howard could be end up here or in the secondary.
Grade: B-
Receivers: Bryant has drawn comparisons to former Summerville HS star A.J. Green. Bryant (No. 84) is the only Top-100 Rivals.com player to sign with the Tigers. Hopkins is expected to play receiver for the Tigers.
Grade: A
Offensive Line: The Tigers lost their best offensive lineman in Thomas Austin, but have four returning starters. They added depth to the position, signing three offensive linemen in this class with David Beasley being the best of the bunch.
Grade: B
Defensive Line: Clemson added four defensive linemen. DT Josh Watson is already enrolled. DT Tavaris Barnes is an active, athletic interior player, while DE Corey Crawford has excellent speed and quickness on the outside.
Grade: B+
Linebackers: The linebacker play was inconsistent at best in 2009. Parker, who picked the Tigers over the Gamecocks on signing day, is a difference maker. The status of LB Jake Nicolopulos, who suffered a stroke back in December, remains uncertain.
Grade: A-
Secondary: The Tigers lost both of their cornerbacks and will lose both of their safeties after the 2010 season. This was a major position of emphasis for this class. The Tigers signed three high-quality players in Robinson, DB Garry Peters and DB Desmond Brown.
Grade: A
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