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1. Going back to last summer, we opined that Clemson’s in-state recruiting for the 2018 class promised to be a much different story than the previous cycle.

The Tigers signed just one Palmetto State product in 2017 – linebacker Logan Rudolph – the first time they had signed less than five in 30 years.

That reflected two factors: The down year in upper-crust talent as well as Clemson’s increased flexibility to pick and choose its most coveted talent regardless of location.

The Tigers have flexed in-state muscle this class, although technicalities will diminish the degree it shows in the calculations.

They’ve secured the top-ranked talent, Florence five-star defensive end Xavier Thomas, who goes in the books as a Florida recruit having transferred to IMG Academy. Thomas grew up a South Carolina fan.

Thomas’ departure bumped up Rock Hill (S.C.) South Pointe four-star receiver/athlete Derion Kendrick to No. 1, and Clemson snagged him from traditional Gamecocks territory.

Plus they plucked Richburg (S.C.) Lewisville defensive tackle Josh Belk, who likewise grew up on the South Carolina side of the rivalry.

The spring evaluation period and the forthcoming summer camp season is when the groundwork is laid for the recruiting class a year and a half away from its formal signing. In other words, this is when the 2019 targets begin taking shape.

Disclaimers that’s it’s early and new names will eventually surface.

But the initial feel is that the 2019 cycle appears a weak one for the state of South Carolina – which is even more notable in light of Clemson projecting to finally have room for a large signing haul.

Highly regarded Clemson defensive tackle commit Josh Belk.
Highly regarded Clemson defensive tackle commit Josh Belk. (Nick Lucero/Rivals.com)

The Tigers have offered just one in-state prospect to date, and there isn’t another candidate yet we would put in the probable category.

2. The one they have pulled the trigger on is Anderson (S.C.) T.L. Hanna defensive lineman Zacch Pickens.

Pickens (6-4, 270) headlined the participants at Sunday’s Elite Position Training Showcase in Columbia – a camp run by local quarterback training guru Ramon Robinson that has emerged as the top camp for Palmetto State players the last two years.

Per our info, Florida State, Clemson and South Carolina are still the leading candidates for Pickens over the long haul. Our opinion remains that Pickens -- much like his former Hanna teammate, four-star Stephon Wynn Jr. – is more likely to project as an interior prospect.

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