Nation’s No. 1 2018 Prospect commits to Clemson
By: rmacrae@bellsouth.net December 15, 2016

Huge news for Clemson came on Thursday night when Trevor Lawrence, the nation’s No. 1 prospect in the 2018 class, committed to Clemson. Lawrence announced his commitment via Twitter.

Lawrence chose Clemson over Georgia. The Cartersville (Ga.) five-star had offers from two dozen schools, including Alabama, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Michigan, Oklahoma and Texas A&M among many others.

The 6-foot-1, 195-pounder has passed for more than 10,000 yards and 118 touchdowns in three years as a starter at Cartersville High. Lawrence led his team to the Class 4A state championship over Thomson on Saturday at the Georgia Dome, throwing for 196 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

As a junior last season, Lawrence threw 51 touchdown passes and moved ahead of Deshaun Watson on the state of Georgia’s all-time, single-season passing touchdowns list. Watson had 50 touchdown passes in 2012, and Lawrence’s 51 rank third on the list behind Hutson Mason (54, 2009) and K’Hari Lane (56, 2016).

Coaches coveted Lawrence’s services during the recruiting process for traits such as his prototypical quarterback frame, strong arm strength and accuracy, and athleticism.

Lawrence becomes the second member of Clemson’s 2018 recruiting class, joining Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy linebacker Mike Jones.