Ohio State certainly will cash in on its new national championship on the recruiting trail and in the portal. Clemson can only hope that the scene of the Buckeyes carrying off the trophy in Atlanta Monday night won’t have a lasting impact on OT Maxwell Riley (6-5 270) of Avon Lake, OH.
Riley this week announced a final two of the Tigers and Buckeyes eliminating from consideration such programs as Alabama, Notre, Oklahoma, Missouri, Florida State and Michigan State.
“I think that both Clemson and Ohio State have separated themselves in my recruitment in the past few months,” Riley said.
Just to make sure Clemson was solidly in with Riley, offensive line coach Matt Luke dropped in for a visit last week.
“I’ve felt good about them for a while before that, but I enjoyed getting to spend some time with him,” Riley said.
Luke has an excellent track record in developing offensive linemen, and he’s a big believer in cross-training his guys.
“Coach Luke mentioned on my visit over the summer that I could probably play anywhere,” he said. “His starting tackles at Georgia were 6’3 and 6’4, so he’s a big believer in if you can play, then you can play. When I finish up my high school career I will have played tackle, guard, center, and tight end.”
Riley visited Clemson for a game last season and was also in for a summer visit. He has found in Clemson and Ohio State what he said earlier about what he was looking for in a football home.
“The culture of the program, faith base, academics, strength program, and how I fit in the offense,” Riley said. “I think staying close to home could be a factor if I’m deciding between two schools, but in general I’m willing to go wherever.”
Luke plans to give Clemson and Ohio State one more visit each this March before he makes the final decision.