Latest additions showcase Clemson's continued power on the recruiting trail

With the additions of four-star defensive back Keon Sabb‍ and four-star IMG Academy teammate, Daylen Everette‍,‍ Clemson’s 2022 class took a big step forward, especially on the backend of the defense.

The Tigers, who appeared slow out of the gate-- especially given the nature of recruiting during the COVID-19 shutdown-- snagged two top-tier prospects in back-to-back hours on Saturday afternoon.

While crystal ball projections seemed to be shifting in Clemson’s direction, certainty in the recruiting game is far from-- well, certain. Yet, as Sabb’s commitment drew closer the sentiment was that the star safety was going to be joining the Tigers adding to the depth of talent Brent Venables covets on the defensive side of the ball.

“They are a national championship team,” Sabb stated. “Coach Swinney built a really good relationship with me. I had a really good time down there.” 

Sabb a 6’2, 190-pounder selected Clemson over Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Penn State, and Texas A&M.

Shortly thereafter, Sabb’s IMG Academy cohort, Everette also chose to go “All-In”.

During his press conference, Everette picked up a North Carolina hat-- looked it over-- then chucked it behind him to the floor before putting on a Clemson hat and opening his jacket to showcase even more Tiger gear. 

Everette, a 6’0, 175-pound cornerback chose the Tigers over Florida State, Georgia, North Carolina, and Oregon. 

Everette, along with cornerback Toriano Pride‍, should give Mike Reed plenty of options down the road as both players get into the system and mature physically.

With both Sabb and Everette ranked in the ESPN 300, the dual commitments boosted the Tigers 2022 recruiting class significantly in all major rankings. The Tigers now have 10 players committed in the upcoming class.

As for Swinney’s reputation and Clemson’s reach, the larger story may have been the fact that both Sabb and Everette took official visits to Georgia and a host of other Power 5 programs, yet both chose the Tigers. That’s just not a normal occurrence. The duo joins IMG defensive end commit Jihaad Campbell‍ as the most recent prospects from IMG Academy to head to Clemson.

Since 2016 the Tigers have landed eight prospects from the Brandenton, FL prep school. 

According to their website:

“IMG Academy is the world’s most prestigious sports, performance and educational institution. Established in 1978 with a pioneering concept known as the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy, IMG Academy has since grown to become a global phenomenon.”

We will have more on both Sabb and Everette’s commitments in the next few days.