College football dynasties are not built overnight. It takes years of forming a winning culture and bringing in top recruits. This process kick-started for Clemson on December 1, 2008 when Dabo Swinney was hired as head coach, but some impactful recruits were already in the program at that time. I am going to give my top five recruits that helped to build the current Clemson dynasty. 

1. C.J Spiller (2006-2009)

Clemson went into the “Sunshine State” and stole a five-star recruit away from the Florida Gators. At the time, he was the second highest rated player ever to commit to the Tigers and currently is still the No. 10 highest ever. Spiller finished his Clemson career with over 3,500 yards which is good for third on Clemson’s all-time rushing list. Beyond his statistical contributions, Spiller showed other recruits around the country that Clemson is a desirable place to play. Spiller’s college choice paid off as he was drafted No. 9 overall in the 2010 NFL draft. 

2. Sammy Watkins (2011-2013) 

Watkins was the first high profile receiver from Clemson to start the “Wide Receiver U” movement. Clemson pulled Watkins from South Florida, typically Miami Hurricane territory. Watkins finished his Clemson career leading the program in total receiving yards and second in total receptions and receiving touchdowns. All the five-star receivers that Clemson have now can be attributed to recruiting and signing Sammy Watkins back in 2011. 

3. Tajh Boyd (2009-2013)

Tajh signed with Clemson in 2009 as the No. 3 Quarterback recruit in the nation. Before Boyd, Clemson was not known as a football powerhouse, and it was not a particular hailing ground for top QB’s in the country. Boyd left Clemson as the leader in most passing categories and paved the way for top QB’s like Deshaun Watson, Trevor Lawrence and DJ Uiagalelei to commit to Clemson. He never won any National Titles at Clemson, but you can argue he is one of the most influential people to getting Clemson where they are as a program currently. 

4. Da’Quan Bowers (2008-2010)

Before Trevor Lawrence committed to Clemson in 2016, Bowers was the highest rated Clemson football recruit ever; Trevor came in as a five-star with a 0.9999 rating and Bowers entered as a five-star with a .9997 rating. In his junior year, Bowers led the nation in sacks with 15.5, and entered the draft. Bowers was widely seen as a potential No. 1 overall pick, but injury concerns forced him into the second round. Bowers’ commitment career has led to the emergence of the Clemson D-line as a force to be reckoned with. He was the first of many high profile defensive linemen to commit to Clemson and have great careers. His career proceeded Vic Beasley, Dexter Lawrence, Xavier Thomas, KJ Henry and Christian Wilkins. 

5. Deshaun Watson (2015-2017)

Although Watson had a great career at Clemson, he was the lowest rated recruit of the four previously mentioned. He was a four-star prospect, No. 4 overall in the state of Georgia. His commitment showed powerhouse schools like Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama that Clemson could, and would, come into their territory and take high profile recruits. His commitment paved the way for another Georgia kid, Trevor Lawrence, to commit to the Tigers. Deshaun gets all the credit for winning the first National Championship at Clemson since 1981, but the foundation for him to succeed was built by the players before him.