Garrett adds Clemson, Florida to offer list

Plainfield (Ill.) South four-star linebacker Clifton Garrett has been collecting scholarship offers since his sophomore year of high school, but on Tuesday he grabbed two offers from schools that had just started showing interest.

The first new offer on Tuesday for the 6-foot-3, 220-pound Garrett came from the Clemson Tigers.

"That was definitely a new interest, and everything happened that same day," Garrett said. "One of the Clemson coaches messaged me the night before, and that next day I was in class and my head coach came and grabbed me out, told me the Clemson coach wanted me to give him a call. I gave him a call, and that's when he gave me the news that they were going to offer me."

Garrett is supposed to connect with Clemson's defensive coordinator in the next few days, and will look to learn more about the program then.

"When I think of Clemson, I'm thinking of Tajh Boyd," Garrett said. "They had a really good season with 11 wins, so they are a pretty successful program and know how to win. I don't know too much about them, and I'd love to research them more and get out and visit."

Garrett's second offer of the day came after he had left school, and was from the Florida Gators.

"This was my first time talking to Florida as well. I know Antonio Morrison out of Bolingbrook goes to Florida, and I have talked to him before. He is a really good guy and got a lot of playing time last year.

"I was talking to Coach [Will] Muschamp today and he was saying when he put on my tape, the first person they thought of was Antonio Morrison. He told me we both have the same style of play, and we are both really aggressive."

The conversation with Muschamp happened a day after Garrett received news of the Florida's offer, and his first impression of the Gators head coach was a positive one.

"He sounds like a really passionate guy. He sounded really high on me. From what I have seen he sounds like a really good guy, and I definitely feel like I could be really comfortable with him. I will definitely get down there for a visit, talk to him more and get to know the staff more."

Garrett also had a conversation with LSU coaches on Wednesday, and he is set to talk with USC coaches later this week.

The offers from Clemson and Florida bring Garrett to a total of 17 thus far in the recruiting process. Ohio State and Ole Miss have been named as leaders by Garrett in the past, but he still remains open to all schools and does not plan to make a final decision until next winter.

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