Clemson Sustaining Success After Big Recruiting Week

The Clemson Tigers, carrying momentum as America's only unbeaten FBS team, continue to command further attention on the recruiting trail.

Head coach Dabo Swinney and his staff secured three top-tier commitments this week, headlined by a pair of 5-star prospects. The impressive haul comes two weeks shy of Clemson's debut in the College Football Playoff, where the Tigers will face the Oklahoma Sooners in semifinal action.

Clemson fans found another reason to celebrate Monday afternoon, when coveted North Carolina defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence pledged to the program, per Ross Martin of 247Sports:

Many considered Lawrence, the No. 3 overall prospect in 247Sports' composite 2016 recruiting rankings, to be one of the top remaining uncommitted athletes in this cycle. The 6'5", 330-pound standout chose the Tigers from a group of finalists featuring Florida, North Carolina State, Alabama, Ohio State, North Carolina and USC.

Lawrence, a senior at Wake Forest High School, is set to graduate early and arrive on campus next month. 

"I can't wait for spring practice to get here," Swinney told Gerry Hamilton of ESPN.com. "This guy is an unbelievable talent. He's our kind of guy. He's a great fit for our culture here. ... This is Christmas coming early today. Just excited about adding Dexter Lawrence to our recruiting class and the Clemson family."

Lawrence recorded 91 tackles—21 for loss—in 2015, according to MaxPreps, adding 13 sacks. He figures to fight for an immediate role in the Tigers' defensive rotation up front during spring camp. 

Clemson, typically known for elite skill players along the perimeter, continues to stockpile promising defensive talent in the trenches. Lawrence joins a collection of 2016 commits that includes Kansas end Xavier Kelly and South Carolina tackle Nyles Pinckney, both 4-star prospects. 

"Dexter is the country's best defensive recruit," Tigers wide receiver pledge Cornell Powell, a fellow North Carolina product, told Bleacher Report in August.

The addition of Lawrence gives Clemson 13 commitments in its 2016 class, a group that provides perhaps the best example of value over volume in this cycle. The Tigers carry eight recruits 247Sports rates as 4-star talents or better, led by a pair of 5-stars in Lawrence and top-ranked all-purpose back Tavien Feaster.

Sophomore quarterback Deshaun Watson, a marquee member of Swinney's 2014 recruiting class, has spearheaded Clemson's memorable season, and the Heisman Trophy finalist's performance this fall appears to be paying dividends with young passers.

The Tigers landed two talented junior quarterbacks this week, instantly becoming America's richest team at a paramount position in the 2017 cycle.

Hunter Johnson, a 5-star Indiana native who had formerly committed to Tennessee, flipped his pledge to Clemson on Monday. His decision occurred within hours of Lawrence's announcement, creating plenty of buzz in the recruiting spectrum.

"Myself and my family both just felt like it was the right spot for me," Johnson told Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports. "I felt like I had a connection there when I went there. It wasn't something I was seeking out. I felt confident with my earlier decision of Tennessee at the time, but once I got there, it felt right to me."

Credit: 247Sports

The country's No. 1 quarterback in 247Sports' 2017 composite rankings, Johnson instantly becomes the face of an evolving Clemson class that already included 4-star New Jersey offensive tackle Noah DeHond and Georgia defensive back Baylon Spector.

Johnson completed 55 percent of his pass attempts as a junior, per MaxPreps, throwing for 2,545 yards. The 6'3", 200-pound playmaker tossed 31 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 10 games at Brownsburg High School.

While Johnson's commitment flip was a stunner for most, even fewer folks probably anticipated the Tigers would add another prized 2017 passer less than 48 hours later.

Chase Brice, a 6'3", 205-pound Peach State prospect, pledged to Clemson on Wednesday. The 4-star Loganville High School junior pounced on an opportunity with the Tigers, undeterred by Johnson's commitment:

Brice, rated No. 11 nationally among 2017 pro-style quarterbacks, also holds scholarship offers from Miami, Louisville, Virginia Tech and Michigan State. He threw for 2,703 yards, 29 scores and nine interceptions this season, according to Paul Thomas of the Gwinnett Daily Post, leading Loganville to the state semifinals.

"I just had an automatic, great connection with [Clemson] from the get-go," Brice told Thomas. "Coach Swinney, he just has an effect when [he] talks to you. He makes you feel wanted, and he wants you to come play with him and be a part of this team."

Swinney's stock is soaring more than any other head coach's in the sport these days. He has a chance to punctuate this season with a national title and an elite recruiting class that should be capable of helping him sustain success.

The perception of Clemson among recruits is incredibly positive. The Tigers are 45-7 since recruits in the 2016 class entered high school, producing three bowl victories and multiple NFL stars—including wide receivers DeAndre Hopkins and Sammy Watkins—during that span.

Prospects have taken notice, and this week provided further evidence of the program's ascension.

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.