The Clemson Insider takes a look ahead at Clemson’s top running back targets in the 2018 class:
The running back position has become a priority for Clemson. After signing only one running back in the previous two signing classes — former Spartanburg High five-star Tavien Feaster — Clemson lost its sole commitment at running back in the 2017 class when Memphis (Tenn.) Trezevant four-star Cordarrian Richardson de-committed in December.
Meanwhile, starting running back Wayne Gallman is headed to the NFL, while redshirt junior runner Tyshon Dye is transferring. Feaster and rising juniors Adam Choice and C.J. Fuller are the running backs expected to return next season.
Clemson could still sign a running back in the current cycle. As for the 2018 class, here are the biggest names we’re tracking as it stands now:
Zamir White, Laurinburg, N.C. (Scotland County):
White, a consensus top-10 prospect in the 2018 class, has around two dozen offers, including ones from Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Ohio State, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Tennessee and others. The 6-foot, 200-pounder last visited Clemson in October for the Louisville game. White is friends with Clemson five-star quarterback commit Trevor Lawrence and five-star defensive end Xavier Thomas, and Clemson is high on his list as he prepares to release his top four schools soon. White plans to commit on June 27, his mother’s birthday. He was named the North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year as a junior in 2016, when he rushed for 1,772 yards and 27 touchdowns on 189 carries.
Lyn-J Dixon, Butler, Ga. (Taylor County):
Dixon, a high-three star all-purpose back, carries offers from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia Tech. Clemson is also showing interest, and Dixon returned to Death Valley for the Pittsburgh game in November after attending the Dabo Swinney Camp in June. The 5-foot-10, 180-pounder, who scored 31 touchdowns in nine games as a junior, possesses the quickness, agility and vision that Clemson looks for in a running back. Tennessee and South Carolina are two of the schools recruiting him the hardest. Dixon plans to commit on his birthday senior year.
Lorenzo Lingard, Orange City, Fla. (University):
Lingard, a five-star, is rated as the country’s No. 2 running back by 247Sports. His lengthy offer sheet is highlighted by offers from Clemson, Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma and Tennessee. The 6-foot, 180-pounder accounted for 1,452 yards and 23 touchdowns on 149 touches as a junior. Lingard visited Ohio State, Miami, Florida State and Florida this season. Lingard told TCI in December that Ohio State, Miami and Auburn are a few of the schools standing out to him right now. He also told us that he “most definitely” plans to visit Clemson at some point in the future.
Devon Lawrence, Wake Forest, N.C. (Wake Forest):
Lawrence, the younger brother of Clemson freshman All-American Dexter Lawrence, is another name to watch. The four-star standout cites offers from Clemson, Alabama, East Carolina, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Maryland, North Carolina, N.C. State, Ohio State, Pittsburgh, Tennessee and Wake Forest. Lawrence, who told TCI last month that he communicates with Clemson’s coaching staff regularly, visited Clemson for the Louisville, N.C. State and South Carolina games this season. A top-15 running back in the 2018 class, Lawrence rushed for 1,267 yards and 21 touchdowns on 175 attempts through the first 12 games of his junior season.
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