Clemson’s 2021 class added its second offensive lineman of the week Tuesday when Marcus Tate (6-4 326) of Jacksonville, announced a commitment to the Tigers. His addition came roughly 24 hours after center Ryan Linthicum of Damascus, MD announced a commitment to the Tigers. 

Tate visited Clemson last summer during camp and it was from that visit that he knew the Tigers eventually would be his choice.

“My decision started sometime in early June, late May, when I visited the first time,” Tate said. “At time time, it became my top school because they talked about family, life after football and they hardly talked any football with me. So, that was big for me. That put that at number one after I left that visit. Three months later, I went to the A&M game. When I was there, they showed major love. When I was at the Tiger Walk, I just knew that’s where I wanted to be. I knew Clemson was the place for me. It just made sense. I knew I wanted to go there after the first visit, but the second time I went there, I was liked, I’m a Clemson Tigers. That’s where Marcus was meant to be.”

Tate is the latest in a line of highly regarded offensive linemen to commit to Clemson. He likes the look of who has committed and who might join him in the future and looks forward to bonding with his new brothers on the offensive line. 

“As soon as I committed, Ryan was at my phone instantly, Walker Parks was already at my phone. I got that from Clemson. It was a family atmosphere for sure. That’s the one thing I’m big on is family. I could definitely see the brotherhood that’s going to come as time passes by with this class.”

Tate also visited Clemson for the Texas A&M game.  On his visits, he got the chance to see the other side of the university, the academic side, and that’s as important to him as the football.

“I really want to graduate with my degree,” he said.  “That’s something that’s important to me and a family milestone for me. Just to be able to have these opportunities to network, these opportunities that they give you are important.”

Tate is a highly recruited offensive tackle whose offer list includes Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Miami, Michigan, LSU, Ohio State, Tennessee, Oregon and Texas A&M.  He said Clemson is getting a player committed to his craft. 

“Someone that’s passionate, someone that wants to learn and mature. And someone that wants to be a Clemson Tiger.”

Tate gives Clemson five commitments for the 2021 class.