Recruits ‘all in’ after Swinney hiring

Newly named Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney has already proven worthy of rallying players on the field.

Now, he appears to be doing the same thing on the recruiting trail after taking over a once tumultuous situation.

Former coach Tommy Bowden’s sudden departure in October caused some verbal commitments for the class of 2009 to question the program’s direction and reopen their recruiting process.

However, the ink is fresh on a five-year deal for Swinney and recruits are ready to jump, in the coach’s own words, “all in.”

“I’m staying at Clemson. Nobody is changing my mind,” said Sumter running back Roderick McDowell, who committed to the Tigers in February. “I’m not 100 percent, I’m 200 percent.”

West Florence defensive end Malliciah Goodman says he’s happy with Clemson’s choice to hire Swinney.

“Most of the recruits like him a lot and think he can do the job,” Goodman said. “I’m excited about him.”

Christ Church offensive lineman J.K. Jay was Clemson’s first verbal commitment for the 2009 class but started showing heavy interest in Georgia amidst the unexpected turmoil.

Jay says he decided to remain a Tiger last Tuesday but admitted to being happy about Swinney’s hiring.

“I’m elated,” Jay said. “I can’t think of any other words to express how happy I am to have him as a coach. We go to church together and I got baptized with his kids, so I know him really well.”

McDowell visited the South Carolina game over the weekend and says he’s very impressed with his future coach.

“The fans and coaching staff love him,” he said. “The way the fans were yelling ‘Dabo’ sent chills down my spine. He was phenomenal how he had those players ready to play. I can play for a coach like that.”

Goodman and Jay added they are also ready to help begin a new era in Clemson football.

“I’m graduating early, so it was important to me that (Swinney) got it,” Goodman said. “I’m going there in January and will be ready.”

“I’ve dreamed of playing with the Tigers since I knew what it was,” Jay said. “It’s going to be very emotional for me when I run down the hill for the first time. I’m so blessed and humbled to be able to live out my dream.”