CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) - Clemson reached across the border to Georgia to find a possible heir for record-setting quarterback Tajh Boyd and grab the nephew of Bulldogs Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker.
Tigers coach Dabo Swinney signed 22 players Wednesday, six of them from the neighboring Peach State.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson of Gainesville, Ga., is the state’s career record holder in total offense and combined touchdowns. He enrolled in January to try and compete for Boyd’s starting job.
Longtime Clemson fans still brag about how Walker never scored a touchdown in three games against the Tigers. Now, they’ve got something to else to hold over Walker with the signing of his nephew, tight end Milan Richard of Savannah, Ga.
The other Clemson-bound recruits from Georgia are running back Adam Choice of Thomasville; receiver Demarre Kitt of Fayetteville; receiver Kyrin Priester of Lilburn; and linebacker Korie Rogers of Flowery Branch.
All six of the Tigers’ Georgia signees had offers to play for the Bulldogs.
Still, Georgia finished with a highly regarded class of its own, and the Bulldogs take on the Tigers in the season opener in Athens, Ga., on Aug. 30.
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CLEMSON
National rankings (Rivals 13; Scout 28).
Best in class: Deshaun Watson, QB, Gainesville, Ga. The Parade All-American who amassed 17,134 yards of total offense is expected to compete with senior Cole Stoudt and sophomore Chad Kelly for the starter’s job. Watson committed to the Tigers in February 2012 and held firm despite overtures from schools like Alabama, Auburn and Ohio State.
Best of the rest: Artavis Scott, WR, Oldsmar, Fla. Picked Clemson over home-state schools Florida, Florida State and Miami.
Late addition: None. Of the drama-free day, Clemson recruiting coordinator Jeff Scott said “when your 5-star quarterback is already on campus you can sleep a little better the night before signing day.”
One that got away: Andrew Williams, DE. Clemson didn’t have strong hopes of landing Williams, but crossed their fingers before he chose Auburn.
NOTES: Clemson’s class includes linebackers Judah Davis and J.D. Davis, the twin sons of former Tigers great Jeff Davis, who’s now an assistant athletic director for his alma mater. … Clemson’s lone defensive end signee was Richard Yeargin of Lauderdale Lakes, Fla., who had committed to Notre Dame but re-opened his recruitment after the season.
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