The 6’2 225 pound man child that is Clifton Garrett has three favorite schools in the
[caption id="attachment_280" align="alignright" width="149" caption="Garrett looks like he could dominate CFB now."]
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summer before his junior year. As it stands, the three most likely destinations for the number one player in the state of Illinois for the class of 2014 according to 247sports include: Michigan State, Ohio State, and Notre Dame.
Clifton was for a long time considered to be between Ohio State and Notre Dame, but a good visit to Michigan State put the Spartans in contention for his enrollment. Clifton took the time to interview exclusively with Chatsports.com and elaborate on his recruitment.
The school Garrett ends up at will allow him opportunities in academia, fit a defensive style of play that he likes, coaches that he can communicate with and an area he can see himself living in for the next three to four years. Clifton wants to play on Sundays with the big boys some day, and knows that any of the three schools he is focusing on can give him that opportunity. He knows football does not last forever and as such academics will play a pivotal role. He is unsure yet of what he would like to major in, though is aware of each school’s best programs. Should football plan out, he wants to have a degree to fall back. His wisdom... is as obvious as his skill. Watching Clifton’s highlight reel, it is clear why he is a top 50 player nationally. His sophomore tape displays a nose for the ball, explosive burst to the ball carrier, hard hitting and good lateral movement. Garrett excels in jarring whoever has the ball, and produces several big plays and tackles for a loss. His ability in coverage is good, and Clifton particularly showcases his versatility on the football field. After watching him play, there is no doubt he will be successful at whatever school he chooses to attend.
Being a 2014 prospect, Garrett is aware of the linebacker class of Notre Dame’s “IrishMob13.” The amount of talented linebackers joining the team just one year ahead of him does not scare Garrett off. He has said he is not concerned with competition and knows that going to Notre Dame will mean he has to fight to get on the field and earn a starting spot. His obvious determination to excel and challenge himself is clear. He is a competitor and wants to be the best of the best. Notre Dame’s best selling points in Garrett’s mind are the coaches, academics and passionate fan base. He loves how the fans
are so diehard for their school and support them on gamedays, as well as throughout the offseason. On twitter however, Notre Dame fans come in second to Ohio State fans. He gets a lot of love from OSU fans, so Notre Dame Nation needs to give him a follow on twitter, follow him @CG340.
Don’t expect to see Clifton redshirt his first year on campus. If he talks to the coaches and they decide that he is not able to handle college football his first year, he would go ahead and redshirt, though it is not something he expects to do. Any coaching staff in the nation would want his playmaking ability on the field as soon as possible. Garrett is close to other 2014 talents, and his decision could impact them at any time. Clifton has no ideal time set to make his commitment. He will verbal to whatever school he feels is his best fit.
Notre Dame fans, you welcome an excellent linebacker class in 2013, but there can never be too much talent there. Clifton has the ability to make linebacker an explosive position for the Irish, and add to an already impressive defensive front seven.
Follow his recruitment closely on twitter by following @ChatIrish and @CG340 for updates on the life of 2014 linebacker stud Clifton Garrett. He will be a great addition to any University and you will remember his name when you see him suiting up in the NFL.
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