McKissic signs with Clemson

Clemson has landed its 26th and final commitment for the 2004 recruiting class in Opelika, Ala. defensive lineman Jacquez McKissic (6-7, 263, 4.8). McKissic signed with Clemson this morning at 9:20. The talented lineman chose the Tigers over offers from Auburn, Illinois, Mississippi State, N.C. State, Memphis, Louisville, UAB.

"He had his suit on this morning when he went to school. He had an N.C. State hat and a Clemson hat with him, and he picked Clemson. He signed his papers and sent them in to Clemson," said McKissic's mother. "We're going to be Tigers now! I'm so excited. I'm so glad this is over with. It's off of his chest now, and he's going to Clemson. I know that they will take care of him up there. It's what we wanted all along."

McKissic made his official visit to Clemson on January 9th where he and teammate Adrian Kindred (DB 6-1, 200, 4.45) left with Clemson No. 1 on their lists. In fact, Kindred committed to Clemson during his one-on-one interview with Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden the morning of January 11th.

A source at Opelika High told us this morning that McKissic actually committed to Clemson last night at midnight when he called recruiter and wide receivers coach Dabo Swinney.

The blue-chip lineman becomes the 26th and final commitment/signee for the 2004 recruiting class.

Official SID Release

McKissic Signs with Clemson Football Program

February 19, 2004

Clemson, SC - Jacquez McKissic, a 6-7, 263-pound defensive lineman from Opelika, AL, has signed a national letter of intent with the Clemson football program. McKissic is the 26th member of Tommy Bowden's sixth class of signees.

McKissic played for Spence McCracken at Opelika High School in Alabama. He was a teammate of Clemson 2004 signee Adrian Kindred. McKissic had 43 tackles, eight sacks and an interception last year as the starting nose guard on a defense that allowed just 37 points in 12 games. It was his second season as a starter for Opelika High.

McKissic was a preseason All-South selection by PrepStar and a two-star prospect by rivals.com. He is one of four signees in this Clemson class from the state of Alabama.

"We are very pleased that Jacquez has signed with Clemson," said head coach Tommy Bowden. "It was worth the wait. He is an athletic defensive lineman, an area we needed to fill with this new class. We are happy with the quality of linemen who will be joining us next year and Jacquez's signing makes the group even stronger."

Clemson 2004 signees

1. Taylor Tremel (OL 6-4, 275, 5.0) Lake Mary, Fla.

2. Aaron Kelly (WR 6-5, 180, 4.4) Marietta, Ga.

3. Brandon Croley (DB 6-0, 180, 4.49) Jacksonville, Fla.

4. Bobby Hutchinson (OL 6-5, 290, 5.1) Greenville, Fla.

5. Tony Willis (OL 6-6, 310, 5.2) Highland Springs, Va.

6. Adrian Kindred (DB 6-1, 200, 4.45) Opelika, Ala.

7. Elsmore Gabriel (DL 6-4, 260, 4.9) Brooklyn, NY.

8. Phillip Morris (WR 6-3, 190, 4.4) Timmonsville.

9. Cullen Harper (QB 6-3, 200, 4.8) Alpharetta, Ga.

10. Dorrel Scott (DL 6-3, 295, 4.9) Columbia.

11. Chris Clemons (ATH 6-1, 180, 4.4) Arcadia, Fla.

12. Tribble Reese (QB 6-3, 190, 4.7) Mountain Brook, Ala.

13. La‘Dontae Harris (WR 6-0, 180, 4.5) Gadsden, Ala.

14. Akeem Robinson (TE/L 6-4, 263, 4.9) Miami, Fla.

15. Xavier Littleberry (TE/DE 6-6, 235, 4.7) Camden.

16. Phillip Merling (TE/DE 6-5, 255, 4.7) Memphis, TN.

17. Michael Hamlin (DB 6-2, 190, 4.6) Lamar.

18. Barry Richardson (OL 6-7, 330, 5.3) Mt. Pleasant.

19. Courtney Vincent (LB 6-1, 220, 4.6) Allendale.

20. Rashaad Jackson (DL 6-2, 273, 4.9) Union.

21. Corey Lambert (OL 6-7, 310, 5.0) Greenville.

22. Alex Pearson (LB 6-2, 240, 4.7) Greenville.

23. Durrell Barry (ATH 6-5, 242, 4.79) Summerville.

24. Cory Groover (DL 6-3, 290, 4.91) Johnsonville. (already enrolled)

25. Andrew Diomande (WR 6-1, 185, 4.5) Miami, Fla.

26. Jacquez McKissic (DL 6-7, 263, 4.8) Opelika, Ala.

Publisher's Note: Late Clemson signee Andrew Diomande will be arriving on campus today for his official visit. Diomande committed to Clemson in the evening hours of signing day, February 4th.

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