1997 Class (29)
Rankings:
Mike Frank -- #17
"This class has the most upside out of any class I have seen. I cannot tell you how much I hated losing Robert Carswell. This class is packed full of solid athletes. Almost anyone of them could be an all american. I would be very excited if I were a Tiger fan. With good coaching they could be back in the hunt real soon."

Bobby Burton -- #13
"Tigers coach Tommy West thrives as a recruiter. This might be his best class."

Jamie Newberg -- B-
"Clemson recruited their needs extremely well. Therefore it was a successful year."

Quarterbacks (5)

* QB Woodrow Dantzler (6-1, 190, 4.5) Orangeburg-Wilkinson HS, Orangeburg SC
Chose Tigers over USC and LSU. The state's all-time leading passer with more than 4,100 yards and 60 TDs. Had over 10,000 total yards in his high school career. Had 4,500 total yards this past season.

* QB Jason Flanders (6-4, 197, 4.7) Wando HS, Charleston SC
Has completed 250 of 439 passes for 3,668 yards and 30 touchdowns with 17 interceptions as the three year starter for Wando HS. Primarily a drop-back passer, this season completed 106 of 203 passes for 1,593 yards and 15 touchdowns this season for a Wando team that went 8-4 and finished second in Region 6-AAAA. Had back to back excellent performances against Summerville (7-12 for 198 yards and 2 touchdowns) and Goose Creek (12-18 for 221 yards and three touchdowns). Also named to the North-South team and was an all-Region 6-AAAA pick. Florida and Alabama were also interested. Flanders follows his his late uncle, Darvin Flanders, who played at Clemson in the 1960s and his father Randy who played at Clemson from 1970 to 1972.

From Prep Stars (formerly Blue Chips) : 6-4, 190, 4.8 Wando high School. Before Jason came along, Wando was strictly a wishbone team. No more. Jason is a classic dropback passer with a strong arm. Completed 75/138, for 1187 yds, 8 TD's in '95. Went to camp at Fla and UT. They liked what they saw.

From SE Recruiting Alliance (Mickey Plyler) : 6-5, 195. Good athlete whose throwing motion will improve as he gets reps. has a Div I frame. Grew up as a top tennis player and has excelled in basketball. Wando is run oriented, but he expects to throw more in '96. Father, Randy, played at Clemson. Impressive at FLA camp & impressed Spurrier. 75/135, 1099 yds, 8 TD's, 4 int's in '95.

From Super Prep (actually written by Kornblut) : 6-4, 200. Likes to throw and has a sharp arm. Was 75/135, 100 yds, 8 TD's in '95. Also punts. Recruited by Clem and South Carolina as a pitcher. Would like to double sport. 2.9 gpa, 960 SAT

Your Comments on Jason Flanders:
"I saw Jason Flanders play in high school, and Clemson fans will be very excited when they get a good look at this one. He has a big league arm and body to match. And possibly his best quality is his knowledge of offenses and his ablility to read defenses. Clemson has a QB for the future, do they know how to use him?"

* QB Marcus C. Martin (6-3, 185, 4.6) W Albemarle HS, Crozet VA
Committed after visit on December 21-22. Considered East Carolina, Richmond, Maryland,and NCSU. During his senior year at Western Albemarle (VA) High School, he threw for 14 TDs and 1100 yards and ran for 14 TDs and 800 yards. He had 2,563 all-purpose yards in 11 games last year. He started 37 games as quarterback. He is the Charlottesville Daily Progress' (Newspaper) high school football player of the year, was CDP co-player of the year last year, and was second team All-State AA quarterback and the Thomas Jefferson District offensive player of the year. As a defensive back, he was a first team All-Jefferson District and All-Region II selection. As a kick returner, he scored four touchdowns this year.

* QB Slade Nagle (6-1 185 4.5) Barbe HS, Lake Charles LA
Times Picayune Louisiana top 30; Threw for 4,045 yards and 45 TDs during his prep career ; good mobility and good arm; first-team all-state in 5-A; others interested include Texas A&M, Ole Miss and LSU. Will enroll in Jan. * QB/ATH Wayman White (6-3, 205, 4.4) Decatur HS, Decatur GA
Played QB in high school but will probably be a WR or DB at Clemson. This season passed for 1,011 yards and 9 TDs. Rushed for 400 yards and 7 Tds. Also plays baseball (batted .500), basketball (averaged 15 points per game), and track. He wants to play baseball for the Tigers as well. Ran an impressive 4.14 shuttle run at the GA HS combine also has 32" vertical jump. Passed for 1,133 yards and 13 TDs, hiting 52 percent of his passes in '95. Also offered by ECU, Louisville, GT, and Texas A&M.

From Jeff Whitaker: White is a born leader, a solid student with 2.8 GPA and 830 SAT.

Running Backs (2)

* RB Javis Austin (6-1, 205, 4.4) Daniel HS, Clemson SC
Led SC in rushing with 2,389 yards as a senior. For career, he has rushed for 5,088 yards and 62 touchdowns, caught 32 passes for 565 yards and 4 touchdowns, and returned 66 kicks for 1,496 yards and 1 touchdown. "Jarvis led out team in rushing for three seasons. He is a unigue blend of speed and fluid moves." said Daniel HS coach Allen Sitterle. Also was a Shrine Bowl selection.

From Phil KornBlut’s Fabulous 50: 6-1 205 4.4 He has big thighs, and is a glider… "He makes moves that are unbelievable. There are guys 20 yards down the field who fall down sometime." Very good hip movement…Runs Strong…Hard to catch from behind… Good pass receiver.

From High School Sports Report: 6-0 200 4.44 Coach Allan Sitterly has been on of the most successful prep coaches in the Palmetto State over the past 15 years, so when he calls Javis Austin the best multipurpose senior back in the state, one has to take notice. Last year Austin russhed for 1,380 yards and scored 20 touchdowns while also catching over 30 passes for 450 yards for the Class AAA state champions. He was also very effective at returning punts and kick-offs. "He makes moves at the line of scrimmage that causes the free safety to stop and fall down twenty yards away," said Sitterle. " He will be our slash this year. He’s a multidimensional player who can do a lot of thing with his skills. I can’t imagine there being a better all-around back in South Carolina." In May, Sitterle said a large number of college coaches passed through to check on Austin and center Kyle Young.

From Southeastern Recruiting Alliance (Mickey Plyer): 6-0 290 Daniel HS, Central SC He bench presses 230 pounds, squats 430 pounds and has 4.4 speed. Plyler was impressed with his 10.9 time in the 100 and 22.4 in the 200.

Your Comments on Javis Austin:
"Javis Austin will be the next great running back at Clemson. Take the name Terry Allen and add speed and that's what Javis is. He is, according to many analyst not only the best player in the state but one of the top 4 running backs in the southeast and one of the 10 best in the country. You won't hear much about him now because of the early commitment but don't be fooled. He is awesome."

"For Those of you who have not seen Javis Austin from Daniel HS, in Central, SC, you dont know what you are missing. He is the best runner I have seen for his size. He runs a true 4.4 40. His balance and vision are his two greatest aspects. If he has a weakness, he likes to fumble the football, but that is nothing that practice will not take care of!!!!!!!!"

* RB Travis Zachary (6-2, 185, 4.4) Marrietta GA
"Terry Allen-type prospect - fast with the frame to grow." He rushed for 1,821 yards and 21 touchdowns as a junior and 1,939 yards and 22 TDs during a senior year in which he also caught 12 passes for 366 yards and three TDs. He chose the Tigers over Georgia and LSU.

Wide Recievers (3)

* WR Matt Bailey (6-5, 220, 4.5) Stone Mountain GA
This season had 14 catches for 200 yards and 5 TDs. Also drew recruiting interest from GT, Tenn, FL, USC and UNC. Getting a hard push from USC but still remains committed to the Tigers.

* WR Ted Fornicola (6-3, 198, 4.4) Hudson Valley CC, Ocean Township Nj
Had 49 catches for 853 yds, 6 TD'S. Also considered NCST, BC, West Virginia and Pitt. Native of Neptune, NJ. Graduates in Dec and hopes to enroll in Clemson in January.

From Jeff Whitaker: 6-3 198 4.4, supposed to be an excellent receiver who makes all the catches. One of the best in JUCO.

UPDATE (1/10): Was not able to enroll in January. Will still come to Clemson if they still want him.

UPDATE (1/18): Will still sign with the Tigers in Feb even though he could not enroll in Jan.

* WR Mike Seth (6-1, 180, 4.5) Sumter HS
Seth committed to the Tigers last year but was a few points shy on his SAT. State runner-up in the 100-meter dash. He's described by recruiting analyst Mickey Plyer as a "good looking athlete, who runs well and has good hands ... but speed is his best quality."

Tight End (1)

* TE T. J. Watkins (6-5, 220) North Augusta SC
Caught 31 passes as a senior and also is a baseball prospect as a catcher and pitcher.

Offensive Line (3)

* OT Will Merritt (6-4, 255, 5.1) Wren HS, Easley SC
HS coach said Will has a lot of potential. Will said he has always been a Tiger and was hoping we would offer. Otherwise he was going to Furman. Also had interest from UNC and NCSU.

* OT Neely Page (6-4, 270, 5.1) Aiken SC
Chose the Tigers over AL, ND, FL, and Tenn.

From Jeff Whitaker: "Page has all the elements you like to see in an offensive lineman--good strength, good feet, good attitude. He's a good down blocker, driver blocker and pass blocker. He uses his hands well and extends his arms to drive people out of the way. His brench press is 380 pounds. This three year starter also throws discus." RATING: 10.00 out of 10.00

* OL Kyle Young (6-3, 256) Daniel HS, Clemson SC
One of the top blocking prospects in SC. Primarily a center, he won the state's Mr. Football award. His brother Will started at guard for Clemson from 1993-95. Young chose the Tigers over Alabama and Georgia.

Defensive Line (3)

* DL Jovon Bush (6-5, 250, 4.6) Jasper County HS, Ridgeland SC
Chose the Tigers over Tenn, GT, USC, and Penn State. Very good pass rusher. Good in pursuit. Read QBs well.

From Jeff Whitaker : "Bush is a versatile player who has also worked at TE and OT. He's a very good pass rusher who had 17 sacks as a junior. He reads QBs well and has good foot speed. His strength is also good with a bench press of 350lbs." RATING: 10.00 out of 10.00

* DL Diko Tinch (6-3, 260, 4.7) Abbeville HS

* DL Terry Jolly (6-2, 280) Fort Valley GA

Linebackers (4)

* LB Dwight Perkins, (6-2, 210) Plantation FL

* LB Raj Mitchell (6-3, 217, 4.7) Jasper County HS, Ridgeland SC
Four-year starter. Big hitter. Very aggressive. Teammate of Jovon Bush.

* LB Kenzi Ross (6-2, 220, 4.7) Peach Co HS, Fort Valley GA
Chose the Tigers over Florida, FSU, UGA, Auburn, Tenn, and GT.

From Jeff Whitaker : "Played defensive end as a junior but moved to linebacker as a senior to replace major college signee Adrian Hollingshed. Could be just as good as Hollingshed says coach. Brench presses 315 pounds and runs with the backs...With a 2.4 core GPA and 16 on ACT, Kenzie has got to some to meet the requirements. Most feel he can do it, but only time will tell." RATING: 9.25 out of 10.00

* LB Corey Williams (6-3, 205, 4.4) Wando HS

Defensive Backs (8)

* DB Alex Ardley (5-9, 170, 4.5) from Lincoln HS, Tallahasse FL Chose Clemson over USC, FSU, Miami, and UNC. Had 55 tackles (43 solo) and 5 Ints this year. All-Big Bend first team selection.

"I liked the school when I visited and I've got a good chance to get some playing time next fall since they've got a few openings," Ardley said.

From Jeff Whitaker: All state as a sophomore. One of FL best special team players and also plays wide receiver. Has a great ability to break on the ball. Rating: 9.50 out of 10.

* DB Aaron Boone (5-10, 175) Catholic HS, Baton Rouge LA
Chose the Tigers over LSU and Illinois. Runs a 10.5 100 meters.

* DB Robert Carswell (6-2, 218, 4.5) Stone Mountain HS, Stone Mountain GA
Chose the Tigers over Notre Dame, Florida State and Florida. He made 95 tackles last fall and will be given a chance to play immediately as Clemson loses starting defensive backs Dexter McCleon, Peter Ford and Andy Ford.

"A tremendous football player," West said. "He has all the tools - size, speed, intelligence. I look for him to come in, be a leader in our secondary, and have an impact, hopefully immediately."

* DB Darrell Crutchfield (6-2, 185) Raines HS, Jacksonville FL
Crutchfield had 67 tackles this season with 3 INTs and 7 pass deflections. As a junior he missed four games but still had four INTs. Chose Clemson over Louisville, Georgia Tech, Florida State, and Florida. Nebraska was also showing some interest.

From Florida Times and Union: "speed and speed alone has made Crutchfield Raines' most heavily recruited db's since Anthone Lott... sub-4.5 speed... must develop a better instinct for the CB position... will visit FSU and Nebraska, among others... impressive upper body strength...QUALIFIED"

* DB Charles Hafley (6-3, 190, 4.65) Pompano Beach-Ely HS, Pompano FL
Played QB and DB this year. Picked Clemson over Ohio St., Maryland and Ole Miss. NRA rates him a 5.8 out of 6.0.

From Jeff Whitaker: Great athlete. 3 year starter on one of FL top HS basketball programs. Good student and solid citizen who would like to major in criminal justice. Rating: 9.75 out of 10.

* DB Antonie Hunter (5-11, 172) Georgia Miltary College
Chose Clemson over S. Mississippi and Louisville. Brother of former Georgia WR Brice Hunter. Great cover corner who converted to defense from WR. Loves man to man coverage. 3 to play 2.

* DB Dextra Polite (5-11, 185) Georgia Military College
Has 4 interceptions in seven games with Georgia Military. 3 years of eligibilty after receiving a medical redshirt for his freshman year after injuring his knee. This High School All American originally signed with Georgia but did not qualify academically. The National Recruiting Adviser ranks as a Top 50 JUCO DB in Country. Big time hitter with excellent coverage skills. Will play both corner and special teams for the Tigers.

* DB Chad Speck (6-1, 185, 4.5) Nashville TN
Also recruited by Wake, Samford, UT-C, Northwestern. 85 tackles and 4 Ints last season. Named All-State.



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