Football Recruiting: Jayron Kearse commits to Clemson

Four-star athlete Jayron Kearse originally planned to announce his commitment today at South Fort Myers High. Instead, the news of his commitment was announced a day early, and Kearse is the latest addition to Clemson’s 2013 class. He previously committed to to Auburn last year before decommitting on Miami’s junior day (January 15th) and committing to Miami. The nephew of former NFL star DE Javon Kearse then decommitted from Miami a few days after visiting Clemson in mid-June. So, both of Kearse’s decommitments came on the 15th of the months of June and January.

July 23, 2012; Greensboro, NC, USA; Clemson Tigers head football coach Dabo Swinney talks to reporters during the ACC media day at the Grandover Resort in Greensboro NC. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-US PRESSWIRE

Jayron Kearse, who was once viewed as a top 100 recruit by some publications, is somewhere around the best 250 recruits in the country. I have him closer to 250 than 200, but there is no doubting his athleticism. Kearse can play at outside linebacker, safety, or wide receiver. The four-star athlete is one of the top 25 athletes in the 2013 class, and he is also one of the top 40 recruits in the state of Florida.

It’s extremely difficult to project where he should play in college, but it looks like outside linebacker, safety, and wide receiver are the best three options. Jayron Kearse has more upside on defense at OLB or safety, but he is extremely raw at OLB and lacks discipline. His size (6’4″, 195 pounds) and speed (4.5 forty) would make him an absolute monster at the position.

Kearse is also a mis-match for opponents at receiver, but I would rather play him on defense. Since he is too undisciplined to play at OLB, it makes sense for him to play at strong safety for Clemson. Kearse isn’t the best tackler, but he is an aggressive playmaker with the athleticism, size, and speed that will make him successful in run defense with his range once his technique improves with coaching and experience.

Although Kearse has committed to two different teams- including the other Tigers- at points during his recruitment, the four-star ATH said that he is solid with Clemson. He gave news of his commitment to head coach Dabo Swinney over the phone, and he makes a top ten recruiting class even better. Jayron Kearse has ridiculous athleticism, and his upside is off the charts.