Matt Luke brings an elite recruiting record to Clemson
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The difference between good and elite in college football can be traced back to recruiting classes. Georgia and Alabama have won the past three College Football Playoff National Championships, with Alabama back in the playoff this year, and you'll usually find them at the top of the recruiting rankings.
For Clemson, a team just a few years removed from being at the top of the sport, getting back in that race for the top classes is paramount. There's a big difference between having the No. 3 class and having No. 13. To help in the effort, Dabo Swinney brought in offensive line coach Matt Luke, an elite recruiter and an offensive line savant.
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Luke has coached all over, with stints at Ole Miss, Duke, Tennesee, and Georgia. It was at Ole Miss and then at Georgia where he made a name for himself, helping to construct Hugh Freeze's lines with the Rebels before eventually taking over as head coach himself and then helping Georgia to the first national championship in 41 years.
Matt Luke's Top Recruits
- Laremy Tunsil - 5-star - 2013 - Ole Miss
- Rod Taylor - 5-star - 2014 - Ole Miss
- Javon Patterson - 5-star - 2015 - Ole Miss
- Greg Little - 5-star - 2016 - Ole Miss
- Broderick Jones - 5-star - 2020 - Georgia
- Amarius Mims - 5-star - 2021 - Georgia
He did it with a style all his own. At Georgia, he helped transform the line from a huge, lumbering unit to a sleek, athletic group. The change allowed Georgia to maintain their physical play while also getting linemen out in space, completely changing the screen game for the Bulldogs.
That's what he'll likely try to do at Clemson. He's already started the process, going after Bradwell Institute (Hinesville, Georgia) lineman Elyjah Thurmon. At 6'5, 278, Thurmon is also a basketball star, something he has in common with Broderick Jones and Amrius Mims. It'll be fun to watch how the style of linemen Clemson goes after changes under Luke and how it gels with Garrett Riley's system going forward.