McDaniel commits to Clemson

Assistant head coach Brad Scott has landed another in-state gem for the Clemson Tigers, this time in receiving the commitment from Anthony McDaniel (DL 6-7, 270, 4.6) of Columbia. The three-star rated defensive tackle mulled offers from Georgia, Tennessee and South Carolina before pledging to Scott yesterday afternoon via cell phone while coming back home from his trip to Knoxville.

"I knew Clemson was where I wanted to go a few months ago. I just decided to go ahead and do it. I was talking to a lot of players at the Shrine Bowl about Clemson and everybody liked Clemson. Everybody was talking about Clemson," said McDaniel via cell phone Monday afternoon.

Last season at WJ Keenan High he had nearly 100 tackles with 15 sacks en route to becoming an all-state selection and a participant in the annual Shrine Bowl Game.

"Coach Scott has been recruiting me harder than any other assistant coach out there. He's already come by the house, he's talked to my family, my coaches and my girlfriend. He's a likable guy, and he's up front with you."

Speaking of Scott, it's possible he may be picking up another in-state gem, tomorrow, that is. Columbia athlete and current Gamecock commitment Tramaine Billie (RB/ATH 6-1, 192, 4.45) of Dreher High is suppose to announce his decision tomorrow, although we think he's already decided, and quite possibly for Clemson.

Of the 13 noted commitments below, Scott is responsible for McDaniel, Henderson and Dukes. A side-note in that Dukes was initially given to Rodney Allison who later bolted for UTC. Scott assumed those responsibilities in mid-December.

McDaniel is rated as the nation's 44th strongside defensive end by Rivals, and is touted as the state's #1 defensive lineman and #9 prospect overall by TigerIllustrated.com.

How We Rate Them

11 = All-World (Franchise Player)

10-8 = All-American

7-5 = All-Region

Clemson commitments to date

1. Brian Staley (DB 5-10, 185, 4.4) Georgia Military JC (10)

2. C.J. Gaddis (QB 6-1, 197, 4.4) Raeford, NC (8)

3. Anthony McDaniel (DL 6-7, 270, 4.6) Columbia (8)

4. Chris Jefferson (WR 6-2, 170, 4.46) Morganton, NC (7)

5. Christian Capote (OL 6-5, 290, 4.9) Miami, Fla. (7)

6. Brandon Pilgrim (OL 6-5, 275, 5.1) Lilburn, Ga. (7)

7. Mario Henderson (OL 6-6, 330, 5.3) Lehigh, Fla. (7)

8. Brandon Nolen (RB 5-11, 190, 4.5) Old Bridge, NJ (7)

9. Jad Dean (K 5-11, 190) Greenwood (7)

10. Sergio Gilliam (ATH 6-3, 175, 4.44) Greer (7)

11. Marion Dukes (OL 6-4, 290, 5.2) Pickens (7)

12. Nick Watkins (LB 6-2, 215, 4.6) New Orleans, La. (7)

13. Clint LaTray (OL 6-3, 273, 5.1) Allen, TX (6)

For more discussion on this column, as well as other topics of interest, please visit The Pressbox.

Note: Not including Rivals premium sites, do not copy/paste and or repost this column, particularly on message boards and or chat rooms, as it is a direct violation of copyright laws. Thank you.