California linebacker set to make decision between Wisconsin and Clemson

Lytle talks to defensive coordinator Brent Venables in June

by David Hood - Senior Writer - Tue Jul 31 12:11:44 GMT-05:00 2018

Spencer Lytle has a tough decision to make this weekend, and as of Tuesday hasn’t made up his mind. Will it be Wisconsin or Clemson?

The 3-star Bellflower (CA) St. John Bosco linebacker is set to make his announcement this Saturday, with Clemson and Wisconsin battling it out for his services. Lytle boasts over 40 offers, with Auburn, Notre Dame, Colorado and others having courted him during the process.

Clemson extended an offer to Lytle in March, which prompted his first trip to campus in early April. Defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Brent Venables then traveled to watch Lytle’s team player showcase during the spring evaluation period in May. Lytle was back on Clemson’s campus for head coach Dabo Swinney’s high school camp in June.

After a summer to think it over, Lytle still isn’t sure which way he’s leaning.

“I am still sorting through it. Definitely a tough decision,” Lytle told TigerNet. “I really love the schools and coaches.”

Venables has been in constant contact with Lytle.

He told me again Sunday that coming to Clemson will be an easy transition for me,” Lytle said. “Coach Venables said, ‘I’ve watched you practice and you fit perfectly with what we do on defense. We lose seven guys over the next two years and coming in early along with your high football IQ lines you up to play early at Clemson.’ He stresses that I have the ability to play any of the linebacker spots at Clemson.”

Clemson has four linebackers on board for the 2019 class, including 4-star Vonta Bentley, who committed last weekend. However, Lytle says Venables has reached out to say the California product is still in Clemson’s plans.

“It was pretty big that Coach Venables reached out to my family after the last few LB commits, assuring me that I have a spot at Clemson if I choose to commit on the 4th,” Lytle said.

What stands out about each school?

“Both schools have a championship feel to it. Clemson has been there twice,” Lytle said of the National Championship. “I have a great relationship with Coach Swinney and Coach Venables. I also have a strong shot to play early at Clemson and be part of a National Championship. Coach Venables stressed that coming in January 2019 is a huge advantage to get on the field early. Our high school also runs the same defense according to Coach V. Clemson is also opening a new state of the art business school in 2019. I have a great relationship with some of the current commits at Clemson.

“At Wisconsin I have a great relationship with Coaches (Bobby) April, (Jim) Leonhard and (head coach Paul) Chryst. In addition, the current commits literally communicate daily on getting me to Wisconsin. I played well in a 3-4 defense last year and very comfortable playing in space or off the edge. Wisconsin has a top business school that is well recognized worldwide. I believe Wisconsin can compete for a National Championship. Like Clemson, I will have a shot to get on the field early at Wisconsin.”