College Football Recruiting: Clemson Tigers Lose Robert Nkemdiche

The Clemson Tigers looked like they were putting together one of the top recruiting classes in the country for 2013. However, Dabo Swinney will have to replace a major piece of that recruiting class as the No. 1 overall prospect, Robert Nkemdiche, has officially decommitted from Clemson and has re-opened his recruitment.

The 6-foot-5, 265 pound defensive end had been rumored to be backing away from his commitment from the Tigers for a while, but he had roundly denied those reports saying they were “just not true,” even up to yesterday evening. “That’s just people talking. I have not done anything or made any plans to do anything. They are just talking. I have not decommitted from Clemson.”

However, Nkemdiche’s high school coach, Mickey Conn, confirmed this morning that the prized recruit had officially decided not to go to Clemson next year. When reached for comment today, Nkemdiche said he isn’t talking about his recruitment anymore, saying: “I’m not talking to anybody about anything. I’m not talking about recruiting anymore. I’m not talking about recruiting with anybody.”

The high school senior said he expects Ole Miss Rebels defensive backs coach Wesley McGriff and Georgia Bulldogs running backs coach Bryan McClendon to be in attendance for his regular-season game on Friday night. Ole Miss and Georgia, along with the Alabama Crimson Tide are the only teams still in consideration.

On Saturday, Nkemdiche will reportedly take an unofficial visit to Ole Miss, his fourth trip there since he committed to Clemson in June. Robert’s brother, Denzell Nkemdiche, plays linebacker for the Rebels and has been actively trying to recruit his brother to play with him. According to reports, his mother has been actively campaigning for Ole Miss as well and it looks as if that is the leading candidate for Nkamdiche at this point.

Originally, the No. 1 recruit in the country committed to Clemson following an unofficial visit in June with a pair of his teammates, Wayne Gallman and David Kamara, who were already committed to the Tigers. At the time, Nkamdiche said “I love Clemson. I know in my heart it’s the right place for me.”

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