PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Since I last wrote about Trevor “T.J.” Clemmings of Paterson Catholic back in February, he has added a slew of big-time scholarship offers and made quite a name for himself.
Chris Melvin, a recruiting analyst for EliteRecruits.com, calls Clemmings the No. 1 prospect in New Jersey in the Class of 2010.
“He’s my top player in the state, without a question in my mind,” Melvin said at the recent Big Time Football Showcase at Rutgers. “He’s raw. The kid still has a long way to go.”
A 6-foot-6, 263-pound defensive end who has only played organized football for one season, Clemmings now holds offers from Notre Dame, Ohio State, Miami, Florida, Maryland, Pitt, Penn State, South Carolina, Purdue, Northwestern, Duke, Georgia, Tennessee, Rutgers and Syracuse, among others. He currently lists Maryland and Pitt as his leaders and has taken unofficial visits to both campuses. “I got a good feel for a couple of schools right now,” Clemmings said at the recent Big Time Footbal Showcase at Rutgers. “Maryland and Pitt are the two schools coming at me the hardest right now.” Clemmings has met both Pitt coach Dave Wannestedt and Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen. “[Wannestedt] was just teling me a lot of stuff so I can get to know him. They like my tape so I guess I have something I can bring for them,” Clemmings said. “[Friedgen] said I have an opportunity to come in and play right away.” As for Rutgers, Clemmings said: “I’ve been here a couple times to watch practices. I spoke to a couple of the coaches, so they’re cool people.”Clemmings said he hopes to decide sometime during his senior season.
“I’m not sure right now,” he said. “I have to sit down and talk to my family and coaches. I’ll make the decision at the right time.” NOTES: Former Paterson Catholic TE Dante Burton could end up at Valley Forge (Pa.) Military School and Worcester (Mass.) Prep, PC coach Benjie Wimberly said.
