Matt Luke, in his first two months as Clemson’s newly minted offensive line coach, has been hard at work building connections and relationships with a bevy of the nation’s best prospects at the position.
Luke, who replaced Thomas Austin prior to the Tigers’ bowl victory over Kentucky, is considered one of the best line coaches in America with a track record of producing NFL talent. That reputation has led some of the top prep offensive linemen in the nation to schedule visits to Clemson for the Tigers’ Elite Junior Day next weekend.
Among those prospects confirmed to be in attendance is 5-star David Sanders Jr. from Providence Day School in North Carolina. Clemson is in the running with Georgia and Alabama for Sanders’ services and making a good impression is paramount.
Also attending will be 4-star prospects Braydon Jacobs, Mason Short, and Chauncey Gooden. Short was committed to Alabama prior to the retirement of Nick Saban but has since reopened his recruitment and the Tigers are high on his list. Jacobs, from Alpharetta, GA, and Gooden, from Lipscomb Academy in Nashville, TN, are also highly sought after players in the 2025 recruiting class.
Others attending junior day are 3-star line prospects Jaylan Beckley from Addison, TX and Mal Waldrep from Central High School in Phenix City, AL, the alma mater of several notable former Clemson players including Justyn Ross.
To say next weekend is a big even in terms of offensive line recruiting would be an understatement. If there is a coach who can sway the hearts and minds of elite offensive lineman, Matt Luke would be prominently featured on the short list.
