Lee’s Summit (Mo.) West four-star cornerback Mario Goodrich has committed to Clemson.
Goodrich signed with the Tigers over finalists Georgia and LSU on Wednesday morning. It is Clemson’s first addition of National Signing Day and an early splash for the Tigers with other targets set to announce later in the day.
Goodrich, a top-100 prospect nationally, becomes Clemson’s first signee from Missouri since at least 2002.
Clemson did not offer Goodrich until three weeks ago today. The Tigers then managed to get his final official visit in January and made a substantial impression.
Goodrich originally committed to Nebraska in May 2017 before reopening his recruitment in early December. After de-committing, he also took official visits to LSU and Georgia in January, respectively.
In addition to his finalists, Goodrich held offers from Arkansas, Florida, Nebraska, Ole Miss, Iowa, Kansas State, Michigan, Missouri, NC State, Oklahoma, Oregon and others.
As a senior, Goodrich logged 15 pass breakups and an interception. He is ranked by Rivals as the No. 13 cornerback and No. 99 overall prospect in the 2018 class.
Goodrich’s recruitment is reminiscent of Clemson safety Isaiah Simmons, a fellow Midwestern native who signed with Clemson less than a week after visiting for the first time. Goodrich’s official visit marked his first visit to Clemson as well, and Simmons served as his player host.
Goodrich becomes the 16th member of Clemson’s 2018 class.