When Dabo Swinney hired Nick Eason away from Auburn to be his defensive tackles coach, he not only brought a former Tiger home, he also gave himself a chance at pulling DT Caden Story (6-3 282) of Lanett, AL away from Auburn and Florida.
Eason had recruited Story for Auburn. Once he got to Clemson and reached out to Story, the big tackle decommitted from Auburn so he could take an official visit to Clemson. That visit with his parents took place last weekend, and it put the Tigers firmly in the battle for Story.
“It was a great visit. I really enjoyed it. I had fun down there,” Story said. “Everything there was great, and I really enjoyed it. It was a great experience and a great opportunity.”
Story spent ample time with Swinney and Eason, and they showed him a plan they think will lead him to becoming the next great inside force on the Clemson defense.
“They showed me a lot,” Story said. “They showed me a plan in the way they can develop me. I’m natural, I’m raw. They were like, I’m able to do all this and I’ve only been playing defensive line for three years. They were like, after I get there and they develop me, they could see me being a top draft pick.”
And the ace in the hole for Clemson, of course, is Eason.
“Me and Coach Eason, we have a great relationship,” Story said. “That’s my dude. That’s my guy. He’s cool. He does know me better than anyone.”
Story said he will not have any in-home visits this week, but Eason, and perhaps others from Clemson, plan to be at his basketball game Thursday night. He’s expecting Florida to be at his school on Wednesday. This weekend Story will visit Florida. He will announce his commitment on February 2nd at 10:00 AM during a ceremony at his school with Clemson, Florida and Auburn the finalists.
