Robert Nkemdiche, the nation’s No. 1 recruit, has got Death Valley in his eyes, and not the one in Red Stick. The big defensive end has elected to head to Clemson, and that is a huge acquisition for head coach Dabo Swinney. On the flip side, many folks have been left scratching their heads as he picked the Tigers over LSU, Alabama and Georgia.

Not exactly a bad move for the rising senior from Loganville, Ga. The Clemson Tigers bring a strong college-football tradition to the table, passionate fans, a commitment to winning and plenty of opportunity to play early. Recently, players like Gaines Adams (RIP) and Da'Quan Bowers have starred in the purple and orange, only adding to the rich defensive-line tradition that boasts guys like William "Refrigerator" Perry, his brother Michael Dean Perry and, of course, Chester McGlockton.

With new defensive coordinator Brent Venables, head coach Swinney has secured a commitment from a big-time player. It will be interesting to watch as the months before February tick away. Certainly, having Wayne Gallman and David Kamara, Nkemdiche's high-school teammates, in the boat helps, but it won't stop sharks like Nick Saban and Les Miles from trying to pry the prized recruit from the Pickens County Tigers.

While Swinney and his staff try to keep Nkemdiche on board, the benefits they could reap are going to be fun to watch. Guys like Montravious Adams and Alvin Kamara may well decide that Tiger Town is the place for them to go with Nkemdiche.

If Clemson makes it to signing day with Robert Nkemdiche in the boat, we will get a chance to see how influential he is not just on the field in the future, but in recruiting as well.