Clemson added an important piece to their 2024 recruiting with a commitment from Rivals250 defensive end Darien Mayo. The Olney (Md.) Good Counsel star chose the Tigers over Ohio State and USC.
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IN HIS OWN WORDS
"It's a family," Mayo said. "Everything was right for me and they showed so much love. All of the schools showed me love and all of them gave me a chance. Clemson for me just really felt like family and it shows in everything they do. I'm a small town guy too so I'm kind of used to that environment. I feel like they're going to have my back when I get down there. It'll be a little far from home but it'll still be kind of like home for me.
"I talked to Tre' Williams, who went to St. John's," he said. "He said it was great down there and they always show him love. He was my host on the visit.
"That scheme on defense is a great fit for me," said Mayo They want me to play on the left and right side of the defensive line. They like my length and speed too. I can stand up, drop into coverage, and play in space too."
WHAT THE TIGERS ARE GETTING
Mayo is a massive defensive end with immense potential. At 6-foot-7, 250-pounds, Mayo has the tools to be a stout run defender and devastating pass rusher. He has strong hands and uses them to effectively swat away offensive linemen. Mayo can beat offensive linemen with inside or outside moves as well. He has the quickness to blow by blockers at the snap and does a nice job setting the edge of the defense. Mayo is a constant threat to knock down passes at the line of scrimmage thanks to his long arms. He'll need to consistently play with better pad level and physically mature before seeing the field on a consistent basis at the next level.
WHY IT'S BIG FOR CLEMSON
Michigan was the early favorite before Ohio State seemed to grab the momentum but his visit to Clemson at the beginning of June went a long way towards swinging the momentum towards the Tigers. It's awfully impressive to Clemson win a recruiting battle like this over Ohio State and defensive line coach Larry Johnson, an ace recruiter in the DMV. Mayo is Clemson's third commitment on the defensive line, joining four-star Champ Thompson and Rivals250 defensive tackle Hevin Brown-Shuler. He is the fourth commitment for Clemson in June and their 12th overall.
