Sammy Brown, nation's No. 1 linebacker, commits to Clemson Tigers

Amid rumors that the Clemson Tigers are about to go on a massive recruiting hot streak, a major domino fell in their favor. 

On Monday, Jefferson (Georgia) five-star linebacker Sammy Brown announced his commitment to Dabo Swinney's program over fellow finalists Georgia, Ohio State, Oklahoma and Tennessee:

"For the past two and a half years, I have been blessed with the privilege of building relationships with the finest men in college football," Brown wrote. "I've taken dozens of visits to great campuses across the country, spent many nights in conversation, and watched some incredible football games along the way. To all of you that have shared your lives with me, I am forever grateful and I will always cherish the opportunities you afforded me. Specifically to the head coaches and staffs, I appreciate everything ya'll have done for me through this whole process. To choose one school from among the final 5 was a nearly impossible task as they are all top notch programs headed by incredible men. My family and I have spent many months in prayer, seeking God's will for my life. With that being said, I know God's plan for my life takes me to Clemson, South Carolina." 

The 6-foot-3, 235-pound athlete is rated the nation's No. 5 overall prospect and No. 1 linebacker and is fresh off an official visit to Clemson last weekend. 

Here's what 247Sports had to say about Brown, in part, as a prospect:

"One of the top overall athletes to come out of the high school ranks in recent memory. Not only has racked up over 200 tackles and 3,500 rushing yards in three years at the varsity level, but has captured back-to-back gold medals on the wrestling mat and posted rare track and field numbers for someone that’s north of 225 pounds. Simply moves differently than other individuals his size – whether that be north-south or east-west. ....Does an excellent job of sifting through traffic and getting where he needs to be. Hasn’t faced the stiffest competition on Friday nights, but does exactly what he’s supposed to do in that type of setting as he sheds blocks and simply swallows up ball carriers. Can hold his own in 1-on-1 situations, but at his best in coverage when he can drop back into a zone and clog up passing lanes. Ability to bend while rounding the corner also makes him dangerous as a blitzer. ...Likely to set weight room records at the school of his choice (can already clean 385 pounds) and push for early playing time with his work ethic and mindset." 

While Brown is likely to be the headliner of Clemson's 2024 recruiting class, his commitment may be just the beginning of the program's hot streak.

Following a huge official visit weekend, the Tigers could be emerging as major threats to land Midlothian (Texas) five-star wide receiver Bryant Wesco, Lancaster (Texas) four-star cornerback Corian Gipson, Tampa Catholic (Florida) four-star wide receiver T.J. Moore and several others. 

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