Clements with front runners

Eduardo Clements is considered one of the very best running back prospects from the Sunshine State. Clements, 5-10 and 190 pounds, is from Booker T. Washington High School in Miami. This four-star recruit has rushed for over 1,800 yards and 41 scores over the past two seasons. He spent the off-season working on becoming a better leader and team player. Clements believes that will make him and his teammates even tougher to beat in 2009.

"I had a good off-season this spring and summer," Clements said. "The team worked hard and the guys showed a different attitude toward this season. We lost a player (Anthony Smith) who was shot. It hurt us all. Now, everyone's approach is different and leaders are stepping up.

"That tragedy changed my perspective. Actually, it changed us all. We are dedicating our season to him.

"That has made me want to work on being a leader. I am more outspoken and just try and amp everyone up. Overall, I have done some growing up and I believe that I am a more mature person."

Also during the summer Clements traveled to four different camps. Those visits and experiences helped him with his recruiting process.

"I went to FSU, Georgia, Miami and Michigan. I just wanted to see some campuses and coaches. I wanted to see what they were all talking about. The visits were a very good experience for me."

So good, that three of those schools are now considered his front runners.

"I am open but I would say that Miami, Michigan and Georgia are the front runners.

"Michigan was a great, great experience. They have great facilities and a lot of guys from Florida. They made me feel welcomed and I had a great time. I also like coach (Rich) Rodriguez.

"Man Georgia has had some great running backs; Knowshon Moreno, Herschel Walker, Terrell Davis and guys like that. That coaching staff is great and very down to earth. I also like the guys on their team. I feel like I can hang around them and I just felt comfortable up there.

"Miami has a great tradition of backs as well and I know they are hard working players. I am there a lot and I see it. They are coming back around. People are sleeping on them. They are young and I see a whole lot of improvement. I mean I think things are different.

"I went down with my family and talked with coach (Randy) Shannon recently. We all talked about different things about the school and program. Coach (Mark) Whipple pulled me out showed me their offense, and how they will use me in their offense. I was very impressed."

According to Clements there are a trio of teams playing catch up with the Hurricanes, Bulldogs and Wolverines. Who are they?

"FSU, Tennessee, and South Florida. I know for sure my first (official) visit will be to Tennessee. That will be my first visit. I love coach (Lane) Kiffin. He's outspoken and not scared of anything. Coach Kiffin backs down to nobody. I really like him and I like that kind of coach.

"That's kind of my top five, top six. If I take a visit some where and feel that school is the place for me, I could make my decision right then and there. I really don't have a plan or timetable. I will do it when I feel it."