Clemson recruiting roundup: Latest news and notes
By: Gavin Oliver December 18, 2017

It was a busy weekend on the Clemson recruiting front ahead of the early signing period that begins Wednesday. The Clemson Insider rounds up the latest recruiting news and notes surrounding the Tigers:

Change of plans for Dixon. Butler (Ga.) Taylor County four-star running back Lyn-J Dixon (pictured) announced via Twitter on Monday morning that he will announce his decision and sign with his school of choice on Wednesday during a 2 p.m. school ceremony.

Dixon had previously planned to commit on Tuesday before signing on Wednesday, but he has decided to wait until Wednesday to reveal his decision. Last Thursday, Dixon named Clemson and Oklahoma State the two finalists in his recruitment. He made an official visit to Oklahoma State over the weekend with his mother and younger brother. He took his official visit to Clemson the weekend of The Citadel game in November.

Dixon was committed to Tennessee before reopening his recruitment in October. Clemson extended an offer to him in July, a month after he committed to the Volunteers, and subsequently got him on campus for the All In Cookout in late July.

Though Dixon will sign early, he will not be an early enrollee. In case you missed it TCI spoke with Dixon about his imminent decision.

https://twitter.com/im_Next23/status/942707642929176576

https://twitter.com/im_Next23/status/942433305303056384

4-star RB reopens recruitment, includes Clemson in top group. Washington (D.C.) Woodson four-star running back Mychale Salahuddin de-committed from Southern Cal on Sunday via social media before naming Southern Cal, Clemson, Maryland, Pittsburgh and North Carolina his top five schools in that order.

Salahuddin unofficially visited Maryland over the weekend. He took an official visit to Southern Cal in November and also made official visits to North Carolina and Virginia. He plans to sign on national signing day in February instead of inking during the early period.

Salahuddin, who has an offer from Clemson, competed at the Dabo Swinney Camp this past June. Barring attrition, the Tigers plan to take just one running back in the 2018 class. So Clemson’s involvement (or lack thereof) with Salahuddin moving forward will likely hinge on whether Dixon decides for Clemson.

https://twitter.com/_TopProspect_/status/942406226750697472

Salyer to sign on Wednesday. Rumors began swirling late last week that Atlanta (Ga.) Pace Academy five-star offensive guard Jamaree Salyer was contemplating signing in February instead of during the early period. However, Salyer put that talk to bed Sunday when he announced on Twitter that he will commit and sign on Dec. 20.

Had Salyer delayed his signing, that would have been a positive development for Clemson as the Tigers would have likely gotten an official visit from him next month. Salyer cancelled his planned official visit to Clemson last month, telling the staff he didn’t want to waste their time.

But with Salyer set to sign this week, expect Georgia to be his choice unless something changes.

Newly offered LB visits Clemson. Shelby (N.C.) 2019 linebacker Jaylon Scott visited Clemson on Friday to take in the Tigers’ football practice. He received an offer from Clemson last week.

Scott has other offers from NC State, North Carolina and Maryland. Clemson likes his versatility to play multiple linebacker positions. Scott told us after getting the Clemson offer that the Tigers were his childhood favorite team.

Other notes.

** Clemson cornerback target Brendan Radley-Hiles of Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy took his final official visit to Florida State over the weekend instead of making his planned official to Florida. Radley-Hiles — who has also taken official visits to Nebraska, Oklahoma, UCLA and Clemson — will be an early enrollee but does not plan to sign early. He will announce his decision on Jan. 6 at the U.S. Army All-American game.

** 2019 Clemson defensive end target Curtis Fann of Twin City (Ga.) Emanuel County Institute made an unofficial visit to South Carolina on Saturday. Fann named Auburn, Clemson, Florida and South Carolina his final four schools on Dec. 10. He visited Clemson for the Florida State game in November.

** Clemson tight end commitment Braden Galloway of Seneca (S.C.) had an in-home visit with Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney and tight ends coach Danny Pearman last Thursday. Galloway is an early enrollee and will sign at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday during a school ceremony.

https://twitter.com/braden_galloway/status/941359460357898243

** Clemson defensive back commit Kyler McMichael of Norcross (Ga.) Greater Atlanta Christian was named Athlete of the Year in Georgia’s Region 7-3A last week. In addition to his duties at DB, McMichael served as his team’s primary running back and rushed for 1,483 yards this season.

** Clemson defensive end commit Xavier Thomas of Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy was named one of six finalists for the American Family Insurance Defensive Player of the Year Award, given annually to the nation’s top defensive player by the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. The winner will be announced during the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Awards Show in San Antonio on Jan. 5, the eve of the Army Bowl.

Thomas was also named one of six finalists for the Anthony Munoz Lineman of the Year Award last week.