Clemson football: 3 biggest 2021 offseason questions for Tigers

2. Is this the most talented roster Dabo has ever had? 

Before 2018, the Tigers routinely recruited in the teens. Dabo Swinney and his staff would identify key players and positions they would be aggressive with.

For example, Deshaun Watson was part of Clemson’s 2014 recruiting class. That class was ranked 16th according to 247Sports. Watson was the crown jewel in that class. In fact, the Georgia-native was only one of two top-100 recruits in that entire class.

What Swinney relied on were the resources the university invested in and their ability to develop talent. Clemson targeted players that fit their system and culture while redshirting many of them to get them ready to play. The 2018 class changed everything. That class was their first top-10 class since 2015 and featured many players that would reset the course of Clemson football.

The 2018 class, headlined by Trevor Lawrence, was the first of three consecutive top-10 classes including two top-five classes. The 2020 class featured Bryan Bresee the No. 1 ranked player in the country and the second time Clemson would sign the number one overall recruit.

Clemson has also signed the top rated player at their positions the last few cycles as well. Unlike most seasons, Clemson goes into 2021 loaded with four and five-star players all over the field. Does that mean another title coming to Lil’ Ol’ Clemson? That’s why you play the game.