First two BCS offers for Clements
Dayton (Ohio) Dunbar defensive end Jarrod Clements picked up his first scholarship offer months back from Toledo. The recruiting process had been quiet for him until the last couple weeks when two BCS schools came through with offers.
Illinois is the most recent school to offer the 6-3, 240-pound Clements. It is actually his second offer of the process from Illini head coach Tim Beckman.
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"I went up to their junior day because they told my coach they would offer me if I came up," Clements said. "They had already offered me when Coach Beckman was at Toledo. I went up there [Sunday] and they came back later this week with the offer."
Although Clements had a previous relationship with the coaching staff, the junior day visit to Champaign provided an opportunity for the Dayton area defensive end to see the campus and find out how he would fit with Illinois' system.
"They treated us good and it was fun, so I enjoyed it," Clements said. "They said I might have to go down to DT, but if I can still produce I can stay at end. I wanted to play defensive end at the next level, but whatever helps the team wherever I go."
An offer from Louisville preceded the offer from the Illini by a week, and Clements found out about the Cardinal's tender from his head coach.
"I haven't really gotten to talk to them. I called a few times, but didn't get an answer," Clements said. "My dad has family down in Louisville, so that's cool."
Clements has no trips scheduled in the next couple months, but expects to see spring practices at schools. He knows he will definitely be on college campuses this summer.
"I will go to a few camps this year," Clements said. "I might go to Michigan's Technique Camp. I didn't think they were interested, but they sent me a letter. They talked to my coach and showed a little bit more interest and want me to come down."