Tigers Add Another Huge Commitment

Jonathan Williard By Roy Philpott CUTigers.com Posted Aug 8, 2007 The Clemson Tigers picked up another verbal commitment in the class of 2008 today when the state of South Carolina's No. 2 linebacker said he'll be wearing orange next year. LB Jonathan Willard Profile The Clemson Tigers picked up another top prospect from the Palmetto state today when Loris linebacker Jonathan Willard announced a verbal commitment to Clemson at a 4:15 press conference. Speaking to CUTigers.com after making his announcement, Willard said he felt extremely confident about his decision to commit to the Tigers. "Well, I think it was a good decision to commit to Clemson," said Willard. "I felt like it was a good decision from get go. "You know I've been a Clemson fan my whole life so it seemed like a good fit for me. I really like their education program. I like the team." As a junior, Willard was named to the All-State team after collecting 130 tackles including 14 for a loss and forcing five fumbles from middle linebacker. He also started at fullback where he rushed for 667 yards and seven touchdowns on 157 carries. "He runs so well," Loris head coach Jimmy Longerdeam told CUTigers.com Wednesday afternoon. "He's very very physical but I think the biggest thing about Jonathan is he's just a good kid. Never been in trouble in school. He's probably the hardest worker on the team. He's also a three-time state champion in wrestling." Londerdeam, who just took over the head coaching position at Loris in March, has spent 19 years coaching in one of the hotbeds of talent in the entire country - south Florida. "He could have played at any place in Florida," he said. "He's got that kind of talent." Willard, who is the No. 2 linebacker in the state according to Scout.com, chose Clemson over his other top two schools, Tennessee and South Carolina. He also received full rides from Florida, Michigan, Maryland, N.C. State and North Carolina, among others. Willard is being recruited to Clemson by wide receivers coach Dabo Swinney. "We have a pretty good relationship," Willard said. "We've talked on the phone a bunch of times. I've asked him quesitons about the program and everything and he always has the answers." With practice for his senior season well underway, Willard added he has several goals he'd like to achieve this year. "My goals right now is I need to get those tackles and forced fumbles. That's what I'm all about, making plays. So I want to see my numbers go up from what I did last year," he said.