USA TODAY Sports' Dan Wolken explains the impact of the NCAA's new rule. USA TODAY
So much about recruiting has evolved in this era of social media and technology, up to an early signing period which begins Wednesday, but the path RJ Mickens is following from Southlake Carroll High School to Clemson was absolutely conventional and old-fashioned.
"Obviously (contending for a national championship is important), but it was more than that," said Mickens, the second-ranked safety in Texas according to 247sports. "All the coaches made me feel at home, coach (Dabo) Swinny, coach (safeties Mickey) Conn, coach (defensive coordinator Brent) Venables, all those guys, the whole staff were great people.