Dexter Lawrence Commits to Clemson Tigers: 5-Star DT Can Make Instant Impact

Coveted defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence declared his collegiate plans Monday afternoon, picking Clemson over fellow finalists Florida, Alabama, North Carolina, USC, NC State and Ohio State:

The Tigers add a 5-star talent rated No. 3 overall in 2016 composite recruit rankings. Lawrence, a 6'5", 330-pound senior at Wake Forest High School in North Carolina, spent extensive time visiting universities before ending a whirlwind recruitment.

His list of scholarship offers also includes Ole Miss, Georgia, Penn State, Michigan and LSU, among many other programs. Clemson, preparing for the College Football Playoff as a No. 1 seed, gains even more momentum in the aftermath of this announcement.

The Tigers don't boast a big 2016 recruiting class, carrying 13 commitments approximately seven weeks shy of national signing day, but it's a high-value haul. Clemson secured another 5-star talent (running back Tavien Feaster) early this cycle, picking up six 4-star pledges along the way.

Lawrence, the nation's No. 2 defensive tackle in composite rankings, further solidifies a future front-seven group that already features 4-star Kansas defensive end Xavier Kelly, 4-star Georgia linebacker Tre Lamar and 4-star South Carolina tackle Nyles Pinckney. 

He posted career-high production across the board as a senior, according to MaxPreps. Lawrence tallied 91 tackles—21 for loss—and 13 sacks this fall, pushing his totals to 202 tackles and 28 sacks since 2013.

"Dexter is the country's best defensive recruit," Clemson wide receiver commit Cornell Powell told Bleacher Report in August. 

Lawrence, a U.S. Army All-American, dominated trenches in the state of North Carolina throughout high school. He also shined among premier peers this July while competing at The Opening, an elite invite-only prospect showcase held at Nike's world headquarters in Oregon.

His skill set and size suit him well for a potential 1-technique role in Clemson's four-man front. Lawrence is a fast-twitch athlete who plays much quicker than his measurements would indicate, allowing him to wreak havoc in the offensive backfield as both a run-stuffer and pass-rusher.

Bleacher Report's Damon Sayles broke down his game during our CFB Recruiting 200 Series this summer.

"Lawrence makes playing defensive tackle look easy," Sayles wrote. "He's a big, strong, elusive athlete who can either bully the offensive lineman or make moves around him. Lawrence is quick off the snap and deceptively fast. He's a player who can be a game-changing lineman at the next level."

Credit: 247Sports

Wake Forest football coach Reggie Lucas enjoyed an up-close view of the lauded defender's development. He believes Clemson just gained a rare specimen.

“Dexter’s size is uncanny for a high school athlete,” he told Jessika Morgan of the News & Observer. “His ability comes with that. He’s running right at a 5.0 [40-yard dash]. His quickness is second to none with guys his size. I think his speed and athletic ability is phenomenal for a kid his size. I think that makes him special.”

Given his high school production and high-profile recruitment, Lawrence will arrive on campus with lofty expectations in place. He is expected to enroll early, providing him opportunities to earn an immediate role with the reigning ACC champions.

Quotes obtained firsthand by Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analyst Tyler Donohue unless otherwise noted. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Tyler via Twitter @TDsTake.