Clemson gets a prize in QB Boyd

The commitment to Clemson of Hampton, Va., quarterback Tajh Boyd this week is huge for the Tigers. While Boyd is only the 13th commitment of coach Dabo Swinney's staff--the midseason dumping of Tommy Bowden apparently hurt the depth of this group--he improves the talent level of an already talented class.

Swinney has a knack for pulling in prospects, and Boyd, who was once committed to Tennessee and then West Virginia, picked Clemson over Ohio State and Oregon. He is a pro-style QB who also has enough speed to escape trouble, and led Phoebus High to a 41-2 record and two state titles in three seasons.

The Tigers have now gotten key additions just about everywhere they needed them. They've improved their linebacking with a group that includes South Meck's Spencer Shuey and filled a need with two quality offensive tackles. They also added a top-flight receiving prospect in Bryce McNeal of Minneapolis and a solid RB in Roderick McDowell, an Observer Top 25 prospect from Sumter, S.C.

Swinney and his staff have made the best of a tough situation.--Stan Olson