Clemson had a rough finish this past year in Georgia, losing four recruits down the stretch, including consensus No. 1 Robert Nkemdiche.
However, the ACC school still had a respectable 2013 haul in Georgia with five signees. The best of the batch was either Elbert County High School running back Tyshon Dye or Brookwood High School wide receiver Kyrin Priester.
The 6-foot, 200-pound Dye is chiseled like a Greek god. He was ranked as a 4-star but still probably underrated and not that well known because he’s from rural Elberton, which is located only 12 miles from the South Carolina border.
Dye, who was recruited by UGA, is looking forward to Clemson’s game against the Bulldogs on Aug. 31.
Which college finished runner-up to Clemson for you? “Probably Georgia or South Carolina.” What could they have done better? “Actually, they could’ve stayed on me a little bit harder. That’s one thing Clemson did throughout the (recruiting) process. They made sure to let me know they wanted me. They stayed in touch all the time.”
UGA wanted you as a linebacker? “They did. But they were going to give me my opportunity at running back, and see what I can do. And then, if it didn’t work out, they were going to try me at linebacker.”
And how did Clemson recruit you? “It was running back from Day One.” Did that make a difference? “Yes, it did. It kind of rocked the boat a little bit. It got me leaning toward them a lot.”
What will it be like to play against UGA in the season-opener? “Oh my God. We’ve got so many Georgia fans because we stay in Georgia. It will be a dream come true to get out there and do my thing, and have everybody shocked and amazed. I know they are rooting for me anyways for what I can do on the next level.”
What was the biggest recruiting rumor about you that was untrue? “They tried to say I was a little slow. That’s all rumors. There is nothing slow about me. I think I can be quick when I want to be. I think I can run you over when I want to be. I’m just an all-around back.”
What the funniest thing that happened on your official visit to Clemson? “It was with a couple of the running backs. We had went out that night and, um, we were doing a lot of crazy stuff – laughing and stuff.”
Which non-Clemson coach was the nicest? “To me, they were all nice. They kept it real. But I think with Clemson, they kept it realer.” Which coach was not so nice? “The head coach from Tennessee (Derek Dooley), he was nice. He was cool, but I kinda felt like there was something about him that I didn’t catch.”
How would you describe your relationship with Clemson coach Dabo Swinney? “I actually played pool with Coach Swinney. He beat me with one ball on the table. But I think our relationship is pretty good right now, and I think it will get tighter when I get to campus.”
What’s one piece of recruiting advice you’d give to a high school junior? “Man, I think if you’re really highly recruited, I think you should take your chance to get all of your official visits to see where you are really at. That’s one thing I wish I could’ve (done), but I’m thankful where I’m at (signing with Clemson).”
In BYU, Georgia Tech will face a defense that is one of the toughest in the nation to score against and has a playmaking force in outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy.
Tailback J.J. Green said he can’t say for sure how many times he has heard “you’re one play away from playing” from Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo and running backs coach Bryan McClendon.
Here is a clue that your trip to sunny south Florida may not be a carefree vacation: You’re a football team, and you lose one of your starters during warm-ups.
If nothing else, Georgia has ensured at least one thing about its season. Regardless of where the rest of the schedule takes them, whether its to an SEC championship, a BCS bowl bid or a national title, there will be no claims from outsiders that this team received too many breaks and escaped health issues, no suggestions that the road to success was lined with lollipops and unicorns.
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