Last night was a wild ride as the Clemson Tigers picked up two commitments in the later stages of the evening. Things got started at 9:25 PM when 3-star linebacker Greg Williams made his commitment known via Twitter.
Before the dust could settle on the 16th commitment in Clemson's class, 3-star defensive lineman Logan Cash also posted on Twitter at 10:57 that he was also headed to Tiger Town.
Two commits in less than two hours and neither of the 4-star or 5-star variety, raising some vocal concerns on social media from Tiger fans.
There are a couple of things to remember when you think about these two players, and maybe more specifically the 2019 class.
There is no question that the new early signing period has completely shifted the timeline of commitments. That change seems to be creating an influx of commitments well before players have even started their final season in high school.
Because of that fact, many of these players still have opportunities to be re-evaluated and ultimately re-ranked.
While both players are currently 3-star prospects, it's likely that one if not both of these two players could command 4-star status by the end of their playing days in high school.
A prime example of that would be current Clemson commit Bryton Constantin who wasn't that well thought of but is now seen as a 4-star and one of the top linebackers in this cycle and could continue to rise.
I think it's safe to believe that both Williams and Cash are most likely undervalued right now.
Williams, out of Swansea High School is a lengthy linebacker prospect at 6'3, 235-pounds will surely continue to gain attention as he finishes up his career in the Midlands. In my opinion, Williams still needs to tack on the muscle mass to be effective at the next level. Given his frame, adding that additional weight should improve the feelings around what he can become at the collegiate level.
As for Cash, you're talking about a kid who led the state of Georgia and sacks last season with 23.5. He's a young man at defensive end that could ultimately play on the interior of the defensive line. From what we've been able to gather, Clemson likes what they've seen from the 6'3 250-pounder from Winder, Georgia and they expect him to develop quite a bit during his final season in high school.
These two players don't carry the 4-star/5-star label some might expect for a team who has made their way to the College Football Playoff three consecutive times. That's what bothers some fans.
Don't forget the value of a player has little to do with the number of stars they've acquired coming out of high school. Prime examples would be guys like Hunter Renfrow, Ryan Carter, Travis Etienne, and Kendall Joseph. None of those players commanded 4-star or 5-star status, and two of them (Renfrow and Carter) were 2-stars or lower.
It's a process, and for Clemson, they are landing the players that they want and that they feel will best fit the program as a whole.
The "two-percenters" are hard to find, but trust me there are more than a few diamonds sitting out there with the 3-star label right now. You just have to know what you are looking for.
Taking into consideration the job Clemson's staff has done in recent years it is hard not to give them the benefit of the doubt right now.
