Interviw: Recruiting Curiosity on Texas JUCO DE Michael Clemons Spreads to Alabama

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

In early May, RNG did a highlight interview piece on Cisco Class of 2017 or 2018 defensive end Michael Clemons. The titled interview “Cisco JUCO to Unleash Scary Talented DE/OLB Michael Clemons in 2016” has gone a long way to help pull interest towards the redshirt freshman. As the 2016 schedule draws closer, interest across the board is building for Clemons soon to make him an in demand prospect.

Clemons redshirted in 2015 opting to hone his skills in preparation for the 2016 season. The plan thus far has been executed as desired seeing the 6’6”, 241 pound, athlete run wild against his teammates during spring ball appearing to be unstoppable. Besides fitting the physical profile, Clemons has the athleticism to be a Division-I impact player with a reported 40-yard dash time at 4.53, a shuttle at 4.08, along with a bench press coming in at 325, squat at 500, and a power clean at 275.

The spring highlight reel has brought in interest from teams around the country including Kansas State, Central Florida, Utah State, Middle Tennessee State, Texas Tech, Minnesota, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Instant interest was also developed between Clemons and Alabama with the Crimson Tide luring the rising star to Tuscaloosa for an unofficial visit.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Clemons before Cisco begins their fall camp to get an update on his off-season workout and a recruiting news update.

Interview

Michael, battling the hot Texas summer conditions have you dropped weight or are you still at 6-foot 6-inches, 241?

“I dropped done to 236 but I have gone back up.”

Was the weight loss planned or just natural from conditioning in the heat?

“A lot of it was from me going home for part of the summer. I did not eat as much as I normally do at school. Once I got back I started eating and lifting more and then I added all the weight back.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you as you head into your redshirt freshman season?

“I’m getting interest from Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Alabama, Mizzou, Middle Tennessee State, Utah State, Kansas State, Minnesota, and Central Florida.”

You took an unofficial to Alabama this summer. How did that go?

“It went really well. I met the coaches, saw the stadium, talked with the linebackers’ coach (Tosh Lupoi), and talked to the players when I was there. It was a really good experience.”

How was everything left with Alabama in regards to recruiting? Are they wanting to see reel on your first couple of games and go from there?

“That’s it exactly. They want to see the first couple of games and then they will make their decision from there. They are showing a lot of interest and a lot of love.”

Are any other schools showing heavy interest?

“Of the schools that I mentioned, I talk to most of those schools every week or as allowed. They are all showing heavy interest. I’d say Alabama and Mizzou are showing the most interest but they are all showing interest.”

Have you visited any other campuses during the off-season?

“No. Alabama is the only school I have visited for now.”

Do you have any visits planned?

“Not as of right now.”

What have you been working on to help hone your skills for the 2016 season this summer?

“I’ve been working on my pass rush sills a lot. I’m working on being consistent with my moves and firing off the ball on every play. When you get tired your technique can lack. I want to be consistent on every down throughout the game.”

How are your summer classes going?

“I’m doing well in my classes. I’m taking a government class and an economics class.”

When you wrap up your junior college career, when will you be able to transfer to a four-year school?

“In May of 2017.”

Are you playing defensive end or outside linebacker for Cisco this year?

“As of right now I am at Will linebacker, but anything can change.”

Are there any games on the schedule you are excited to play this year?

“Trinity Valley (Aug. 27), that will be a big time game for us, and Blinn (Sept. 10).”

Michael, thanks for your time today and good luck with fall camp.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Clemons family; Michael Clemons at Alabama.