Monday Insider

The last champion to deal with a similar scholarship handicap was Texas, which concluded at No. 20 in 2005 with 14 signees as well; the Longhorns catapulted to No. 5 the next year.

Despite three signees adding a star in the final update, Clemson stayed at No. 12 in the team rankings, as USC swapped spots with Washington around the Tigers at Nos. 11 and 13.

Yet what stands out is the continued elevation of Clemson’s success on an individual basis.

The Tigers are third in per-prospect star rating at 4.0, trailing just No. 11 USC (4.21) and No. 1 Georgia (4.18).

Not only would that stand as the program’s high – surpassing last year’s 3.86 mark – but note that only five times in the previous eight years has a team averaged a four-star or better in the final tally.

That’s elite company.

2. The public focus lies largely on the remaining targets for this class.

But a battle is building for a coveted junior just around the figurative block.

We went against the grain in the fall when we began telling subscribers that the battle for Anderson (S.C.) T.L. Hanna four-star defensive lineman Zacch Pickens was brewing into a fight between Clemson, Georgia and South Carolina.

And that’s just what we’re starting to see unfold.

Pickens (6-4, 265), ranked No. 21 nationally by Rivals.com, went to South Carolina’s junior day Saturday and even spent the night before. That predictably raised eyebrows after he eschewed Clemson’s junior day a week ago.

Meanwhile, Georgia coach Kirby Smart paid Pickens a visit last month the day after the Bulldogs’ SEC title game appearance.

Will Muschamp’s personal involvement with the Pickens camp has played a substantial role in the Gamecocks gaining steam.

We can tell you Clemson sent a whopping five-coach contingency to T.L. Hanna on Friday – headlined by Dabo Swinney, while also featuring defensive coordinator Brent Venables and defensive tackles coach Todd Bates.

There are folks familiar with the prospect who think South Carolina and Georgia are the leading contenders.

That might be true. But per another contact familiar with the situation, it would probably be premature to count Clemson out quite yet – especially because Pickens has been to Clemson more than any other suitor.