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1. We’re squarely in the middle of junior day season, when colleges hold on-campus gatherings that amount to spruced up unofficial visits for prospects.

Clemson holds its first junior day earlier than most, as most of its competitors are still focused on their National Signing Day efforts when the Tigers host their select elite cast in late January.

We still recall seeing Carlos Watkins, then an absolute unknown in recruiting circles, being escorted around by area recruiter and future position coach Dan Brooks at the team’s elite junior day six years ago.

The recruiting timeline has been pushed earlier for the last 15 years. But times have nonetheless changed considerably in this short span as well.

Clemson’s next junior day – as standard, the first Saturday in March in conjunction with an early spring practice – is set for March 4, less than two weeks away.

The guest list is much more liberal and expansive. With many priority targets having already been on campus, Clemson will open the doors for perhaps more 2019 prospects than credible 2018 targets.