Nobody is recruiting four-star linebacker like Clemson

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Like many schools, Clemson stopped by Birmingham (Ala.) Jackson-Olin in January to check on their top prospects and before leaving, the Tigers extended an offer to 2019 linebacker Lavonta Bentley.

The junior has exploded with over a dozen offers early in 2018 and he quickly has ascended to the top of many boards at his position. Clemson is recruiting him harder than anyone and he feels like a priority for them.

"Coach [Todd] Bates texts me every day and he is recruiting me the hardest out of all the schools right now," said Bentley. "He is just trying to get to know me mostly. He also shares some of the inspirational stuff that he writes with me and he has talked to me about Clemson.

"He is a great guy and he is really trying to get me to fall in love with the school. He has been on me about visiting and I am going up there March 3 for the first time."

The 6-foot-1, 215 pound head-hunter can't wait to see what it is like at Clemson. He already knows he will like what he sees.

"I am ready to get up there now. It will be a good experience and I will get to see how I fit in there. I want to see if it feels like family and talk with the coaches. I know it will be a good visit."

At this time, Clemson is one of the top two schools on Bentley's list. The other is Alabama. The way the Tigers are recruiting him combined with how they play has put them in a good spot at this stage.

"Clemson has a great defense and they ball out every game," said Bently. "They have really been stopping great offenses over the last few years and that is impressive.. They have a fast defense and that is how I like how to play.

"I like how they play, coach Bates is showing me a lot of interest and those are big reasons why I like Clemson so much."