Clemson lands the top player in the state of Alabama.
Four-star wide receiver Justyn Ross announced on National Signing Day that he’s heading to the Palmetto State to play for the Tigers. He’s the second wide receiver in Clemson’s 2018 recruiting class joining December signee Derion Kendrick.
Justyn Ross
Ranked as the nation’s No. 7 wide receiver by 247Sports, Ross chose the Tigers over Alabama and Auburn.
“It was the best environment I’ve ever been in for a game. They have a nice environment up there,” Ross said to SEC Country. “[Clemson’s NFL draft reputation at receiver], it affects me a lot because as a receiver, as a player period, you’re going to want to go to the league. As I’ve seen Coach (Jeff) Scott, he develops players to go to the league. That helps Clemson out a lot.”
The Phenix City, Alabama native caught 37 passes for 730 yards and 13 touchdowns last season at Central High School. He also returned 14 punts for 383 yards and two scores.
His superb play helped the Red Devils go 11-1 and reach the Class 7A semifinals.
“As a freshman, I saw things in him that made me realize he was really, really good,” Central head coach Jamey Dubose told SEC Country. “He started to make plays against guys like John Broussard, who is at Auburn now. We knew when he was a freshman that he was going to be good.”
Following the season, Ross was selected to the ALL-USA Alabama First Team and named an Under Armour All-American.
He completed his high school career by playing in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game.
Ross becomes Clemson’s seventh four-star recruit in the class and their second at wide receiver.
With Deon Cain leaving early for the NFL, the state of Alabama’s top-ranked player has an opportunity to contribute immediately.
He’ll compete with rising seniors Hunter Renfrow and Trevion Thompson, juniors Diondre Overton and Cornell Powell, and sophomores Tee Higgins and Amari Rodgers, along with the incoming Kendrick, in the fall for playing time.
Ross is the latest signing day win for Dabo Swinney. The 6-foot-4, 201-pound wideout is another playmaker on the perimeter the Tigers will look to take advantage of in its quest for a fourth straight CFB Playoff appearance.
