Clemson offensive line coach Matt Luke has used his extensive ties to the state of Mississippi to start and build relationships with some of the top offensive line prospects down there. One he has gotten especially tight with is OT Dalton Toothman (6-5 300) of Vancleave.
Toothman visited Clemson for a spring practice in early March, and now he has the Tigers in his top four along with Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Auburn.
“My relationship with Coach Luke has been strong from the start,” Toothman said. “From the moment he came to my home, he made it clear how much he believed in my potential and took the time to really get to know me as a person. The entire staff has been genuine, supportive, and invested—not just in my football future but in me as a person. I feel like they see the bigger picture, and that means a lot.”
Another big step for Luke with Toothman was to get him scheduled for an official visit. The other three on his list have had dates. Now, so do the Tigers as Toothman will take his official visit to Clemson on May 30th.
“Each of the schools in my top four has a combination of high-level football, strong culture, great coaching, and a place where I feel I can grow on and off the field,” Toothman said. “They all make me feel valued and have shown a clear plan for how I can fit into their program. After the official visits, I’m hoping to have full clarity seeing where I feel the most at home, where the relationships feel strongest, and where I see myself thriving long term. That’s when I’ll feel ready to make a decision.”
Auburn will get the first crack at Toothman for an official visit on May 16th. Then the two schools of Tigers will have to sweat out the in-state official visits. Toothman will go to Ole Miss on June 6th and Mississippi State the following weekend. His commitment announcement should come soon after that final official visit.