Analyzing impact as five-star cornerback Jeadyn Lukus commits to Clemson

On3 imageby:Pete Nakos07/28/21

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CLEMSON — Clemson continues to add depth and talent to the future of its secondary.

The Tigers picked up two elite defensive backs earlier in the month when Keon Sabb and Daylen Everette committed on the same day. And on Wednesday, Clemson added another dominant lockdown threat as it landed five-star cornerback Jeadyn Lukus. The in-state prospect from Mauldin is the fifth addition to the secondary and the highest-rated recruit in Clemson’s 2022 recruiting class.

Clemson was the favorite to land the cornerback, but he is still a huge get for the Tigers. Cornerbacks coach Mike Reed and defensive coordinator Brent Venables were the primary recruiters for the sixth-overall cornerback prospect in the nation, per the 247Sports Composite. Ohio State and North Carolina were in the mix, but a visit to Clemson made all the difference.

Lukus took an unofficial visit to Clemson on the Elite Retreat weekend, when the Tigers hosted the who’s who of their 2022 recruiting class on campus. The trip let Lukus meet Clemson’s 2022 commits and gave him an opportunity to interact with the coaching staff in person. He was back on campus this past weekend for the All-In Cookout with commits and targets.

Lukus is now a part of that 2022 class and adds superstar potential to the Clemson secondary. ClemsonSports.com is breaking down what his commitment means for the Tigers and the national recruiting scene.

Jeadyn Lukus-Clemson Tigers-Clemson football

South Carolina’s No. 1 overall recruit is the fifth commitment in Clemson’s 2022 class. (Jeadyn Lukus/Twitter)

What Jeadyn Lukus gives Clemson on field, means for 2022 class

The No. 1 overall recruit out of the state of South Carolina, Clemson recruited Lukus because he can be on an island in the secondary. The lockdown cornerback has a 6-foot-2, 185-pound frame and has room to develop.

With a long frame, Lukus has the size and length needed to be an elite defensive back. He has speed and knows how to move fluidly in coverage. The ability to play both press and off coverage is a plus, and he has a strong feel for change of direction to stay in pace with wide receivers. This past season he tallied 36 total tackles in just six games, with three tackles for loss. Lukus can use his physicality at the line of scrimmage but also out in the open as a tackler.

Clemson, Ohio State, North Carolina, Florida State and Alabama all offered Lukus last June. The Tigers have been a favorite ever since last summer. The Tar Heels hosted Lukus in June, but Clemson reasserted itself when he visited later in the month. The Tigers were able to hold off all other schools, landing the 32nd-overall player in the class.

The Tigers now have five defensive backs in the 2022 recruiting class. They have their secondary of the future and will probably hold off on taking a sixth defensive back. But more important to Clemson, it has now accumulated arguably the best secondary any school will piece together in the class of 2022. Lukus and his fellow commitments will focus on helping the Tigers finish off their class.

How Jeadyn Lukus commitment impacts 2022 recruiting rankings

The Tigers move into the No. 10 spot in the 2022 class rankings behind Oregon and ahead of Texas, and they are now sitting at No. 4 in the per-player average (93.53), according to the 247Sports Composite rankings, with Georgia (93.68; 12 commitments) holding a slight lead. Ohio State’s 94.67 per-player average leads the class. The Tigers have added three elite recruits this month, putting them into double digits in commitments.

In the ACC, Clemson is within striking distance of Florida State’s lead. The Seminoles currently boast the top class with a composite score of 233.60 with 17 commitments. Clemson is now at 224.21 and ahead of third place Virginia Tech, which stands at 201.75 with 19 commits. The Tigers have captured the ACC recruiting crown four-consecutive years.

In addition to Campbell, Clemson’s 2022 recruiting class also includes quarterback Cade Klubnik, wide receiver Adam Randall, offensive linemen Collin Sadler and Blake Miller, cornerback Toriano Pride, safety Sherrod Covil, specialist Robert Gunn, defensive end Jihaad Campbell, safety Keon Sabb and cornerback Daylen Everette.