CLEMSON RECRUITING

Top receiver close to making decision between Clemson, Ohio State
Stellato poses Clemson's trophies on his visit.

Top receiver close to making decision between Clemson, Ohio State


by - Senior Writer -

One of the top receivers in the nation is closing in on a decision.

Troy Stellato is a 2021 prospect out of Fort Lauderdale (FL) Cardinal Gibbons who is rocketing up the recruiting rankings. Stellato jumped 52 spots to No. 124 overall and top-15 in the state of Florida (14) in new Rivals rankings released this week.

Stellato, who has trimmed his list down to Clemson and Ohio State, is staying in constant contact with those two schools.

“There has been a lot of talking and lot of communicating with coaches. They have been really trying to extend the olive branch a lot and open up the communication,” Stellato told TigerNet. “I know I came out with a top-two and everything, but I have been communicating with Coach (Brian) Hartline at Ohio State and also Coach (Tyler) Grisham at Clemson. I have been building relationships for sure, but it's a weird time right now but there isn't much you can do about it. On Thursday, LSU wants to do one of those virtual visit deals. I was supposed to visit LSU, Notre Dame, and USC but obviously, due to the coronavirus, none of that was possible. So, I am doing that Thursday and that is really about it right now.”

He has been busy building a relationship with Grisham, who took over as the Tigers’ wide receivers coach when Jeff Scott left to become the head coach at South Florida in December.

“He talks to me a lot, but it isn't always about football,” Stellato said of Grisham. “We talk about X's and O's too, but we are building that relationship and I am getting comfortable around him. He tells me I am his guy and he is really recruiting me the hardest right now out of everyone. He just shows the love he has for me and I feel that when we communicate and talk. He is pretty much telling me that if I come to Clemson, I will have a shot to compete right away for a spot. And that is all I am asking for; I want to compete for a job and have a fair shot. He really likes my games and thinks I am a really good person.”

What sets Clemson apart from the other schools?

“Right when I walked on campus it just felt different. I know a lot of recruits say that and everything, but it is a very true statement,” Stellato said. “There aren't a lot of places that have something special in both the campus and the coaching staff and that really speaks to me. I know that it is Wide Receiver U, but I know that they are not super loaded based on what I saw at spring practice and everything. I feel like I can go there and make a difference. That stands out to me, but also the people and the relationships I have built with the coaches show and emphasize just what they stand for. Once you get on that campus it is a different feeling than the other ones.”

Ohio State is also making a strong push, led by Hartline.

“At Ohio State, it's about the relationships, too. Me and Coach Hartline are really, really close,” Stellato said. “I love him and I love the offense. I also fell in love with the school and the coaching at the receiver position is really good and I love Coach Hartline and what he stands for and what he preaches. He makes a lot of receivers that come in better, He is probably one of the best coaches X's and O's wise that I have ever talked to. We have a lot in common.”

What is next for Stellato? It all depends on if the country re-opens and recruits can take visits.

“I think I am really closing in on a commitment date. I am still going to try and get one more visit to Ohio State but I don't know if that will happen,” Stellato said. “But in looking at a commitment date I feel like it will be in the next month or so. I wanted to before the start of the season, that is what has always been in my head throughout the process. I wanted to go into my season committed and I didn't want to worry about all of the noise about where I was going to go. I want to focus on my senior season. I released my top two and it's down to those two schools and I think I am close to a final decision.”

Stellato transitioned to the slot last season and terrorized defenses with his speed, and he said he feels like he can play either inside or outside.

“I feel like I can play the slot or the outside. I have speed and I can really open up the defense. This is my first year of playing slot receiver and knowing the game helped me adjust to playing in the slot because it is really different than playing on the outside,” Stellato said. “I have really strong hands and I attack the football up in the air. I also think I play longer and play bigger than my size. I can go up and get those balls in the air. I play physical. Speed and my hands are two of my best assets. I don't realty get compared to a guy that much, but I really love Julian Edelman and Adam Thielen, those are my two favorite receivers in the game and I try to model my game after them.”

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Subject (Replies: 25) Author
spacer TNET: Top receiver close to making decision between Clemson, Ohio State
TigerNet News®
spacer Re: TNET: Top receiver close to making decision between Clemson, Ohio State
MoCity
spacer We have a chance, but...
kfrid
spacer Re: We have a chance, but...
CarolinaKudzu
spacer Re: We have a chance, but...
Clemson_country89®
spacer Sounds like Ohio State is his first choice...
HBROWN®
spacer Come on, guys!
Salty55®
spacer Re: Sounds like Ohio State is his first choice...
irmotig®
spacer Re: Sounds like Ohio State is his first choice...
Joe21®
spacer This would be HUGE!!! For Coach Grisham....***
GSCtiger®
spacer Re: TNET: Top receiver close to making decision between Clemson, Ohio State
TNTiger17
spacer Re: TNET: Top receiver close to making decision between Clemson, Ohio State
Jt_steph01
spacer OSU has been killing it with WR recruiting for about 2 years
TigersAndCubs
spacer I can see the appeal of Ohio State...
BigCUFan®
spacer Re: I can see the appeal of Ohio State...
MoCity
spacer Re: I can see the appeal of Ohio State...
rhettfla
spacer Re: I can see the appeal of Ohio State...
SocMan2®
spacer Re: I can see the appeal of Ohio State...
partsunknown
spacer Clemson vs Ohio State ... absolutely no comparison. They‘re
DueWest
spacer Re: Clemson vs Ohio State ... absolutely no comparison. They‘re
MoCity
spacer If he chooses Clemson...
lightbulbbill®
spacer Re: Clemson vs Ohio State ... absolutely no comparison. They‘re
svaughan
spacer There are probably a half dozen reasons at least ...
DueWest
spacer He's a Tiger.***
TigerFanX2000
spacer Re: He's a Tiger.***
TophTheGoph
spacer Re: TNET: Top receiver close to making decision between Clemson, Ohio State
MoCity