Big names scheduled to attend All In Cookout

Nikki Hood by Staff Writer -

Summer is coming to an end, and college football is right around the corner, but before the Clemson coaches can turn their attention to the 2016 season, there’s one final recruiting event they need to tend to.

It’s time for the fifth annual All In Cookout – a premier recruiting event that attracts Clemson commits for the 2017 recruiting cycle and the top targets remaining on the Tigers’ board.

Since its inception, the All In Cookout has played a major role in getting some of Clemson’s top prospects to commit. In 2012, Clemson picked up commitments from running back Tyshon Dye, wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (who later enrolled at Florida), tight end Cannon Smith and wide receiver Mike Williams. In 2013, defensive end Jabril Robinson pledged his commitment to the Tigers at the cookout and 4-star defensive end Austin Bryant gave his pledge in 2014. Last year, it was Tre Lamar who pulled the trigger on a commitment during the cookout.

Let’s start with uncommitted prospects. A.J. Terrell is the highest-rated uncommitted prospect who will be on hand this weekend. The 5-star Atlanta (GA) Westlake cornerback is expected to be in attendance.

This visit could go a long way in determining Terrell’s future, especially with long-time friend and Clemson commit LeAnthony Williams also on hand. In addition to Clemson, Florida, Georgia, Alabama and Auburn are also vying for Terrell’s services.

Another defensive back target – Jeffrey Okudah from Grand Prairie (TX) South Grand Prarie has said he will make the trip to South Carolina to see what the Tigers have to offer

While, Terrell may be the highest rated prospect, the Cookout may go the furthest with 4-star defensive end Jordan Williams out of Virginia Beach (VA) Cox.

Williams plans to announce his commitment on August 6th at a school ceremony and has told his finalists – Clemson, Virginia and Tennessee – that his final visit will be to Clemson. However, he told TigerNet last week he has a good idea where he’ll end up.

“It’s just a feeling I have,” he said. “I trust the coaches, and the program has everything I need. I am pretty sure I know. I just need to let the coaches know. I had promised the (Clemson) coaches that I would be there,” he said. “I gave them my word. I told the other schools that because of the timing of everything, I would only be able to take one more visit, and I had promised Clemson that visit. They all understood that, and now I’m going to take this final visit and then get ready for the announcement.”

4-star Paramus (NJ) outside linebacker Drew Singleton made his first trip to Clemson last winter with Rashan Gary – the nation’s number one recruit for 2016 – and has held the Tigers at or near the top of this list of suitors since. He also made the trip down for Clemson’s spring game and will return once again for this weekend’s festivities.

This appears like a Clemson and Michigan battle until the end.

Wrapping up the uncommitted defensive prospects expected to be on hand is Justin Foster – the 4-star Shelby (NC) Crest linebacker. Clemson has been in the picture for Foster since his recruitment began, however it doesn’t appear as though he’s any closer to making a decision. Most people believe it will come down to either Clemson or Tennessee, but don’t count out Notre Dame just yet.

Offensively, Clemson will host Wando (SC) wide receiver OrTre Smith – the lone receiver left on Clemson’s board – and Philadelphia (PA) St. Joseph running back D’Andre Swift.

As most believe, Smith will decide between Clemson and South Carolina and the 4-star prospect will see both schools over the weekend, with the Gamecocks’ recruiting even taking place on Saturday.

Swift is considered one of the top running backs in the country, and he, and his family liked Clemson a lot after their visit during the spring. However, the Tigers will have to contend with the fact that he wants to play with his best friend Mark Webb, who is most likely going to Georgia.

Now for the committed prospects…

Tennessee wide receivers Amari Rodgers and Tee Higgins will both attend the Cookout, along with Loganville (GA) Grayson quarterback Chase Brice, Highstown (NJ) The Peddie School offensive lineman Noah DeHond, Rock Hill (SC) Northwestern linebacker Logan Rudolph and Calhoun (GA) linebacker Baylon Spector.

Offensive linemen Matt Bockhorst and Blake Vinson will not be in attendance as they are both recovering from injuries. Quarterback Hunter Johnson also will not make it because of his cousin’s wedding and running back Cordarrian Richardson is unsure if he will be able to attend.

As always, there could be a surprise visitor or two so stay tuned to TigerNet throughout the weekend for the latest.