The remaining 10 members of Clemson’s 2017 signing class arrived on campus June 25, joining early enrollees Hunter Johnson, Logan Rudolph, Baylon Spector and Blake Vinson.
The Clemson Insider gives a scouting report on each of the newcomers. We break down what the player does best, what he can do to earn playing time as a freshman, his future outlook and more.
Name: Matt Bockhorst
Position: Offensive Guard
Height, Weight: 6-5, 300
Hometown (High School): Cincinnati, Ohio (St. Xavier HS)
Prospect rankings: 4-star, No. 12 OG, No. 5 state, No. 157 national (ESPN); 4-star, No. 17 OG, No. 13 state, NR national (Rivals); 4-star, No. 18 OG, No. 2 OG in state, No. 245 national (Scout); 3-star, No. 23 OG, No. 15 state, No. 367 national (247Sports)
High school stats & accolades: 2016 Under Armour All-American… First-team all-state as a junior in 2015… 4.0 student
Strengths: Bockhorst plays through the whistle and has a mean streak, traits that any O-line coach loves in a player. The 6-foot-5, 300-pounder is strong, aggressive and finishes blocks with authority. He possesses solid footwork and athleticism, especially for his size, and has the ability to pull outside on run plays.
What he can do to earn playing time as freshman: After missing his senior season due to a torn ACL and meniscus suffered during The Opening Finals last summer, Bockhorst was fully cleared recently. Bockhorst, who has been doing full-function speed and agility work for about three months as well as lifting weights, is feeling confident heading into fall camp. As a player who might be on the redshirt bubble, in order to get on the field as a freshman he must show the staff during practice that his knee is back to full strength and that he mentally ready to play after the injury.
Future outlook: Were it not for the injury, Bockhorst would be a prime candidate for early playing time. While avoiding a redshirt remains a possibility, a sit-out year may be best for his development from a physical and mental standpoint. Regardless, with his ability and attitude, Bockhorst has the potential to be an anchor on Clemson’s interior offensive line in the future. He will fit right in in Clemson’s O-line room with his fun personality, as well.
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