Crowder to Clemson
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Wrapping up a busy and productive day for Clemson's coaches, Rockingham (NC) Richmond County offensive lineman Tyrone Crowder announced his intentions to sign with Clemson on ESPNU Wednesday, as expected. The lineman, a cousin of Tiger linebacker Stephone Anthony, had been projected to Clemson by Tigerillustrated.com for nearly a month.
Crowder becomes the fifth and final player to cast his lot with the Tigers on National Signing Day of 2013, joining Durham (NC) defensive back Korrin Wiggins, who pulled off a longtime pledge to UNC, defensive back Adrian Baker of Hollywood (Fla.), a former Florida State commit, sleeper DB Ryan Carter of Loganville (Ga.) and of course US Army All-American Mackensie Alexander of Immokalee (Fla.), the nation's No. 7-rated cornerback prospect.
Crowder, a Shrine Bowler, is rated 11th nationally among offensive guards by Rivals.com, 184th nationally overall regardless of position and fifth overall regardless of position in the Tarheel State. The 6-foot-2, 330-pounder becomes the highest-rated acquisition on the offensive line for the Tigers in five years.
The Rivals250 member had been down to the Tigers and UGA in recent months, but also held offers from numerous other major programs such as Texas, Tennessee, Florida, Florida State, Auburn, Alabama, Nebraska, and North Carolina.
Crowder's signature basically assures Clemson of its third consecutive top 14 recruiting class (citing only Rivals.com's rankings), a first since the network went online in 1999. The Tigers also will finish second in the Atlantic Coast Conference only to Florida State.
Clemson's staff signed just two offensive linemen in the 2013 class. The Tigers return four starters to the offensive line for the 2013 season.
**** Also a reminder, tomorrow Tigerillustrated.com will be releasing part I of our Behind The Scenes/War Room as well as part I of our onsite interview with Clemson's all-time leading rusher, Raymond Priester, conducted in Atlanta, Ga. last week.
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