ACC Championship: Recruiting breakdown
Clemson and Virginia Tech are heading into the 2016 ACC championship game with the Tigers hoping to look up their second straight playoff appearance. In preparation for Saturday’s showdown, we view the game through the recruiting lens, starting with a prospect both teams remain in contention for in the 2018 class.
TOP CLEMSON VS. VIRGINIA TECH RECRUITING BATTLE
Clemson is essentially down to two or three spots remaining in its 2017 class, but there are a number of prospects the Tigers will be battling Virginia Tech for in the 2018 class. Hollifield is potentially the most important prospect in the middle of this tug of war. One of the best inside linebackers in his class, Hollifield has visited both schools multiple times and both will likely be heavily involved until the end.
CLEMSON BREAKDOWN
HIGHEST-RANKED IMPACT PLAYER
Clemson has been recruiting at a high pace for the past few years, but its 2016 class may be the one that makes Dabo Swinney and his staff most proud. Lawrence was the No. 2 overall prospect in the Rivals100 and he is making a huge impact on Brent Venables' impressive defensive line. Lawrence is second on the team in sacks and fourth in tackles. That's called an outstanding start to a promising career.
MOST UNDERRATED IMPACT PLAYER
Hunter Renfrow, a former two-star, made this a tough call, but Clemson has a lot of depth at receiver. Johnson leads the team in interceptions and has the versatility to play multiple positions in the secondary, a relatively thin area for the Tigers. That makes Johnson an extremely valuable piece to Clemson's defense.
TOP CLASS OF 2017 COMMIT
Johnson, currently the top-ranked quarterback in the Rivals100, has been committed to Clemson since mid-December 2015. He was previously committed to Tennessee and his pledge to Clemson has been solid ever since. Even the commitment from Rivals250 quarterback Chase Brice a few days after Johnson's commitment didn't affect him.
BIGGEST REMAINING TARGET
McKinney has been looking around at some big-time programs since his decommitment from Alabama back in the summer. Clemson is in great shape and has already hosted him for an official visit. Georgia will get a shot at McKinney this weekend during his official visit. Florida, Ohio State and Alabama are also in contention. McKinney, an early enrollee, will announce his commitment at the Under Armour All-America Game on Jan. 1.
VIRGINIA TECH BREAKDOWN
HIGHEST-RANKED IMPACT PLAYER
Evans, the No. 8 junior college prospect in the 2016 class, has been the engine making Justin Fuente's offense go this year. One of the most impressive things about Evans' season has been his touchdown (26) to interception (5) ratio. He's been named a Davey O'Brien Award semifinalist, has the Hokies ranked No. 23 in the College Football Playoff Rankings and is a major reason why the Hokies are in the ACC Championship Game.
MOST UNDERRATED IMPACT PLAYER
Bud Foster is known as one of the best defensive coordinators in college football and he found a good one in Stroman. A former two-star, Stroman leads the team with three interceptions and has only played in nine of Virginia Tech's games. Eric Gallo, also a former two-star, deserves to be mentioned. He has started every game this season for the Hokies.
TOP CLASS OF 2017 COMMIT
Capehart is a very important to Virginia Tech’s 2017 class for two reasons: speed and versatility. Capehart could play wide receiver or safety in Blacksburg and the Hokies will need his speed anywhere they can get it. Capehart battled some nagging injuries this season but will look to get healthy again in the offseason.
BIGGEST REMAINING TARGET
Hunter has been a major priority for the Hokies since the beginning of his recruitment. They’ve faced some stiff competition from schools Florida, Alabama, Auburn and North Carolina. Hunter just took an unofficial visit to Alabama and has an official visit to North Carolina coming this weekend before an official visit to Virginia Tech on Dec. 9 Hunter will announce his commitment on Christmas Eve.
