ForumsMemphis, TN.- When size meets athletic ability you create one of the most desirable attributes college football coaches look for. Often times the tight end is one of the most athletic players on the field, but still has enough size to put the power on smaller blockers and tacklers. The state of Tennessee has an athlete of this kind within their borders this year. Memphis Central star Cameron Clear has quietly gone through the recruiting process thus far. He’s remained off the boards of most recruiting circles and out of the media for the most part. But that doesn’t mean that the college coaches aren’t stopping by.
His athletic ability is showcased on more than just the football field. Right now Cameron claims to be 6’6″ 264 pounds through spring. On the hardwood he takes his game to the low post and does it very well. So well in fact he has offers on the table for basketball from Oregon State, Memphis, and Southeast Missouri. Last year he averaged 12 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game. Right now he’s interested in trying to play both sports in college, but he realizes he may be forced to chose, and that will be another decision just like picking a college.
First year Memphis Central head coach Rod Gaston had some very impressive things to say about his star player.
“His potential is sky high. I think he has the potential for the NFL. He is a tremendous athlete, no he’s a tremendous student athlete. He’s a hard worker, team leader, he’s just a great kid. He has a ton of schools coming by but he’s so humble about the attention. He only started playing football in middle school. Last year he played two games at tight end at the end of the season. Everybody is looking at him for tight end right now, although he could grow into a tackle easily. He’s got great hands, feet, great frame, and is willing to play. It will be interesting to see how good he becomes with a full year at tight end,” said Gaston.
Cameron played offensive tackle for all of his career so far with the exception of his last two games. So if a college were to recruit him as a tackle, it would be an easy transition for him.
Last year he had 26 catches for 412 yards. He also recorded 12 sacks and 68 tackles while playing defensive end last year. He’s a playmaker all over the field and schools have taken notice.
Currently Cameron is holding 7 total offers, but claims he is hearing from a host of other schools at this time.
“Alabama, Duke, Memphis, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and Louisville are the schools I have offers from. Auburn looks like they will be offering next week. Florida was by yesterday, and Vanderbilt and USC also were by yesterday. There have been coaches by most days at practice. Right now I’d say that Duke is recruiting me the hardest, Tennessee is next.”
Coach Gaston echoed the same sentiments about the schools showing interest in Cameron at this time.
“Pretty much the entire SEC has been by or is in contact. Except LSU, we have heard nothing from them. Georgia and North Carolina are showing lots of interest right now. Florida was here at like 6:30 in the morning yesterday. They are supposed to be back next Tuesday, they told me he is the only recruit in Tennessee they are after. Tennessee was by today and a few weeks ago. Coach Trooper from Auburn was here yesterday as well. I heard Kiffin at USC is trying to jump into the mix. They were hard after him before they left Tennessee.”
Versatility is all the rage with college coaches right now. Finding athletic recruits that can play multiple positions have become a top priority. It gives coaches a lot of room with their recruiting classes to fill positions by getting the best athletes on the field at once. Cameron is a great fit for that role. He could bulk up and play tackle in addition to tight end. Or he could also be moved to defense and play defensive end if needed.
“Coaches all tell me I can move pretty good for my size, and my ability to catch is good. I’m working on my speed and agility right now. I’ll play anywhere the coaches want me to, I just like to play football.”
With Tennessee giving a hard chase, it’s expected that the in-state school would have an advantage to keeping Cameron.
“Well I grew up a fan of Tennessee. I like Tennessee. The new coaches seem pretty cool, they are trying to create something new. I went over there for a game last year and I really enjoyed it. I’m looking for a good support system, I want to be taken care of for life after football.”
Often times a recruit never forgets their first offer. No matter who it came from or how many they end up with, the first one has a real impact. Cameron was fortunate to have his first come from the national champs.
“Alabama offered me during their junior day. It was my first offer and it felt good. I was there for a game last year and junior day this year. Coach Cignetti was by last week and he’s a great guy. I’ll be in Tuscaloosa this weekend for the ESPN Rise camp. I would say that Alabama is pretty high on my list, but I have no leaders and I’m still open.”
Coach Gaston offered his opinion of the two schools and their recruiting efforts.
“Coach Saban talked to him at junior day and he was the one to notify him of the offer. I know that had a big impact on him. Tennessee is a school he’s always liked. The coaches are new so he’s still trying to figure out how they would use him and trying to develop a relationship with them over there. Right now the plan for his official visits will be to visit Alabama, Tennessee, Duke, and Florida for now.”
It certainly would appear that the future is bright for this Tennessee star.
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