Robert Nkemdiche is a physical freak. The 6'5'', 260 lb defensive end from Grayson High School in Georgia is the #1 recruit in the nation, and verbally committed to Clemson last month. Three of his high school teammates are also committed to play at Clemson under Dabo Swinney. As Andy Staples wrote for Sports Illustrated, tailback Wayne Gallman and defensive back David Kamara have both accepted offers from Clemson. Quarterback Nick Schuessler recently gave up his scholarship from Mississippi State to become a preferred walk-on at Clemson. Nkemdiche is also trying to get his friend, and Grayson High School defensive back, Ryan Carter a scholarship offer from Clemson.
On one hand, Gallman and Kamara both have offers from multiple SEC schools, and more than likely would have receieved an offer withouth Nkemdiche's help. Schuessler's only SEC offer was from Mississippi State, but SEC teams like Auburn, Florida and Tennessee had interest in him. Carter, on the other hand, had offers from schools like Tulane, East Carolina and Arkansas State, until Ole Miss extended an offer two weeks ago.
I'm not ragging on Nkemdiche's decision to help his friends out by getting them a free education, but there is something flawed in this system. Maybe the NCAA should cut back on the amount of guaranteed scholarships to football players. College basketball does not have the same problem because there are less roster spots to fill. To prevent this situation happening in the future, maybe college football should look into giving more partial scholarships. If I received a two-year scholarship offer to Clemson and a four-year scholarship offer to Tulane, you would definitely see me rocking the Green Wave in New Orleans.
