Nkemdiche Chooses Clemson...But Will He Actually Suit Up For The Tigers?

The top high school football player in the nation, defensive end Robert Nkemdiche of Grayson, Georgia, committed to the Clemson Tigers on June 14th. This came as a shock to many, as it had been speculated that Nkemdiche would wait until National Signing Day to announce his decision. It also leaves some doubt as to whether or not the star will actually play his collegiate football for Clemson. With 7 months until Nkemdiche will have to sign his letter of intent, there will be plenty of time for him to brood on his choice.

Before his sudden commitment, most recruiting experts had Nick Saban as the odds-on-favorite to land Nkemdiche, who has been called the best defensive end prospect since Julius Peppers. Between Saban's fantastic recruiting record and the influence of Nkemdiche's high school coach, Mickey Conn (an Alabama grad), it seemed that it would take a massive recruiting upset for Robert to choose anywhere but the national champions. With most followers of Nkemdiche's recruitment set in for the long haul, he took a visit to Clemson and abruptly announced his commitment.

Any followers of Nkemdiche on Twitter can tell you that he has one eye on the NFL, even as a high school junior. Clemson has had a solid record of producing pro DE's recently. Among those selected in the first two rounds of the NFL draft since 2007 include Andre Branch, Jarvis Jenkins, Da'Quan Bowers, Phillip Merling, and Gaines Adams. Still, Dabo Swinney pulled a huge recruiting coup in luring Nkemdiche from the draw of the SEC. Alabama were considered favorites, with LSU, Georgia, and Ole Miss also thought of as possible destinations. Clemson had always been in the picture, but not many figured he would end up in ACC version of Death Valley.

After the Gunner Kiel recruiting fiasco of last year, Nkemdiche's early decision leaves plenty of room for doubt that the prodigy will actually sign his letter of intent for Clemson in February. And this doubt is not unfounded. With access to Twitter, the commoner now has the ability to gain insight into the personality of big time athletes. Nkemdiche does not seem to shy away from the spotlight and it is reasonable to believe that he may not like the shift of focus from him to other undecided recruits. Also, at one point he had set his announcement date for May 18th after the Grayson High School spring game because he "knew where he wanted to go". Soon after, however, his announcement was cancelled and news came out that it was possible that his announcement would have to wait all the way until National Signing Day.

These abrupt changes of heart cannot be reassuring to Clemson fans who have seven longs months to sweat out before they can feel secure that Nkemdiche will suit up for the Tigers. Meanwhile, Nick Saban, Les Miles, Mark Richt, and others are sure to be in the star player's ear.

Written by Patrick McBride