4-Star Xavier Kelly Commits to Clemson: What Versatile DE Brings to Tigers

Coveted Kansas defensive end Xavier Kelly announced his intentions to attend Clemson on Friday afternoon, selecting the Tigers over seven other finalists:

Kelly, a 4-star recruit, also considered Alabama, Oregon, Georgia, Florida State, Kansas State, TCU and Michigan.

Clemson helped separate itself from a loaded pack of powerhouse programs by providing an extremely positive experience during his trip this spring.

"That was my best visit," he said during an online announcement with ESPN. "Academics were a 10 [out of 10], the campus was a 10, the stadium was a 10...everything was a 10."

Rated eighth nationally among weak-side defensive ends in composite 2016 rankings, Kelly collected more than 30 scholarship offers by the end of his junior year. The 6'5", 255-pound playmaker previously pledged to Kansas State but backed out of that commitment in March:

Kelly is capable of collecting sacks and quarterback hurries in bunches while working against lumbering offensive linemen. His first-step burst is elite enough to send even polished blockers back on their heels. 

This effectiveness as a speed rusher is reflected in his sub-4.6 time in the 40-yard dash, and Clemson coaches could be tempted to implement him as a stand-up defensive threat along the edge at times. He displayed some fundamental flaws on his sophomore film, but Kelly really cleaned things up and took his approach to another level last fall.

"I think I have a much better feel for the game now,” he told Juan Herrera of TheLeftBench.com. “I think I’m just more comfortable playing now that I’m faster and stronger than I was my sophomore year.”

His athleticism also shines on the basketball court, where Kelly led Wichita East to a state title last season. He tallied 22 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks in the championship game, per VarsityKansas.com.

Kelly provided further evidence of his rare abilities with this slam:

He becomes the 11th member of a Clemson class that now rates 14th nationally in composite rankings. Kelly joins linebackers Rahshaun Smith and Tre Lamar as 4-star defenders expected to enroll at the university next year.

Tyler Donohue is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Tyler via Twitter: @TDsTake.