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By Brad Senkiw

It’s not often that Dabo Swinney has eventful first Wednesdays in February anymore.

Typically, the Clemson football program has its recruiting class wrapped up during the early signing period in December, but 2022 presented some different challenges. With a mix of graduating players and transfers leaving the Tigers, Swinney had several roster spots still to fill after Clemson landed 12 signees (nine early enrollees) from two months ago.

With several scholarships still available, Swinney vowed to bring in at least five more players, and Wednesday’s National Signing Day, the last opportunity to get recruits for the 2022 roster, he closed with seven more signees for the Tigers.

“This has been a great day for us,” Swinney said. “Probably a little more action than we’ve had in the last few years…but it’s been a really good day celebrating another great group for us.”

Combining with early signees like quarterback Cade Klubnik and Jayden Lukas, a pair of five-star prospects, the February additions helped the Tigers reach No. 11 nationally in the 247 Sports Composite Rankings.

Here’s a look at who Clemson added Wednesday to this year’s recruiting class:

Jahiem Lawson: Brother of former Clemson defensive end Shaq Lawson, the 6-foot-4, 230-pound Daniel High School product committed to the Tigers in late January. Lawson is a true edge rusher who when he adds weight to his frame, could be an impact player for Swinney.

Kylon Griffin: The 6-1, 190-pound safety also recently committed to the Tigers and signed Wednesday out of Montgomery (Ala.) Catholic. Griffin, who originally committed to Mississippi State, is a track athlete with great speed that’ll help get him on the football field. 

Cole Turner: The 3-star receiver’s brother, Nolan Turner, played safety for the Tigers from 2016-21. Cole Turner blossomed in his senior season when Vestiva Hills High School went to a spread offense, allowing him to land on Clemson’s radar.

Kobe McCloud: Sticking with a common theme, McCloud is the younger brother of former Clemson receiver Ray-Ray McCloud, who’s now in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Kobe McCloud, from Tampa, Fla., plays linebacker and has the physicality to help the Tigers in the near future.

Myles Oliver: A former quarterback turned Georgia all-state cornerback out of Douglas County had 75 tackles and five interceptions as a senior. Oliver is a track star as well and gives Clemson three corners in this 2022 class.

Caden Story: One of the prizes of the February signing group, the four-star defensive lineman was formally committed to Auburn but didn’t sign in December. He later decommitted and then decided Wednesday to follow new defensive tackles coach Nick Eason from Auburn to Clemson. The 6-3, 285-pound Story is an excellent athlete with great feet and hands.

T.J. Dudley: The final member of the signing class, Dudley played high school ball with Griffin and was originally committed to Oregon. However, Clemson’s late needs and Dudley re-opening his recruitment led to a great pairing as the 6-1, 220-pound linebacker has the versatility to fit into the Tigers’ scheme.

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