Clemson gained its first commitment for the 2023 class from a defensive player Wednesday afternoon when DE David Ojiegbe (6-3 235) of Washington, DC announced for the Tigers. Ojiegbe visited Clemson twice this spring, once for a practice and then the spring game. He cited several reasons for choosing the Tigers.
“I’ve always loved it. The family, the Clemson brand,” Ojiegbe said. “They are player coaches. They are so connected to the players. Coach Lemanski (Hall) is a great coach. Coach Nick Eason. They are good player coaches. Coach Lemanski works with his players and tells them what they need to work on and what he expects from them. He’s very close with his players and he knows how to get it done.”
Ojiegbe was heavily recruited and weighed other offers from the likes of Penn State, Maryland, North Carolina, Miami, Michigan, NC State, Virginia Tech, Washington, Purdue, Georgia Tech and Duke. Besides Clemson, he also visited Miami, Georgia and Maryland.
A big factor in Clemson’s favor is the fact so many of their current defensive ends will be leaving for the NFL after the 2022 season. There will be early playing opportunities for him.
“I feel that if I put my head down and work and grind and prove myself and show what I can do, I can definitely get it done,” Ojiegbe said. “He (Hall) likes I’m very physical in the run game. He can also put me on the perimeter to rush the passer. I’m very physical off the ball. I know they are going to try to run the ball at me, but I’m stopping that. I’m aggressive with the run and athletic enough to pass rush and get to the quarterback. They see me as a defensive end who can also play the Jack (a hybrid of defensive end and linebacker). They see me as a guy who can rush the passer and also stop the run and then sometimes drop back in coverage. That’s big to me, just being available and see how they can use me in different matchups.”
Ojiegbe becomes the fourth commitment for Clemson’s 2023 class.
