Clemson lands New Jersey OL
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Clemson scored a welcomed, if not surprise, addition Monday night in its quest to replenish a depleted offensive tackle cupboard.
Hightstown (N.J.) Peddie School 2017 high three-star Noah DeHond announced a commitment to Clemson via Twitter, picking the Tigers over finalists Alabama and North Carolina.
"When I visited there it just felt like the right fit for me," said DeHond. "The coaching staff was wonderful and the atmosphere with the team was great. The facilities are fantastic. It's a really good school. It's everything I'm looking for in a school.
DeHond (6-7, 325) wrapped up his recruitment in short order, taking visits to all three schools a week ago. He hit Alabama first, followed by UNC and finally Clemson last Monday.
"I didn't really want to wait too long," DeHond said. "Junior year at a school like Peddie can get pretty stressful and I don't need another thing to think about. I found everything I was looking for there and I didn't see the point in waiting."
The visit made a profound impression on DeHond, who had expressed a desire to attend college in the southeast.
"I really like the way coach (Robbie) Caldwell works," he said. "He's an old school guy who will get in your face and coach you up. Coach (Brent) Venables is my recruiting coach and he's a great guy. I have a really good relationship with him."
Clemson could have as few as three returning offensive tackles on the roster for the 2016 season - all of whom are first-year freshmen this fall.
He represents an early coup for Clemson's 2017 class, which was christened Saturday by its first commitment from Calhoun (Ga.) linebacker/safety Baylon Spector.
DeHond also held offers from Wisconsin, Virginia Tech, Arkansas, Pittsburgh, South Carolina, UCLA, Miami, Virginia, Rutgers, Purdue, Louisville and Kentucky among others.
"My recruitment is done," he said. "I see kids decommit a lot but my word is my word. I want it to mean something. I can say my recruitment is over."
Rivals.com regional analyst Adam Friedman contributed to this article.
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