5-star recruit Tristan Leigh commits to Clemson over Oklahoma

Clemson football added to their recruiting haul with the addition of five-star offensive tackle recruit Tristan Leigh who picked the Tigers over Oklahoma.

Clemson football picked up the commitment of five-star offensive tackle Tristan Leigh on Saturday afternoon. Leigh gave his pledge to the Tigers one day after Clemson fell in the Sugar Bowl but his announcement gives the fans some much-needed good news for a pick-me-up.

Leigh, a 6-foot-5, 270-pounder from Fairfax. Virginia is the nation’s No. 11 overall recruit, No. 4 offensive tackle and No. 1 recruit from the state of Virginia, according to the 247Sports Composite.

Tristan Leigh is the top recruit for Clemson football’s 2020 class

Clemson owns the No. 5 recruiting class in the nation and the top class in the ACC, per the 247Sports team rankings. Leigh is now the highest-ranked member of Dabo Swinney’s class and should open up holes for top running back recruit Will Shipley and protect quarterback D.J. Uiagalalei, the heir apparent to Trevor Lawrence under center. And when he departs, Bubba Chandler will potentially take the reigns of the Clemson offense.

Leigh picked Clemson over Oklahoma who finished as the runner-up for his pledge. He also had offers from LSU and Florida who were deemed as the closest in pursuit outside of Clemson and Oklahoma, among others.

Leigh has a basketball background which helps him with his footwork and agility but he’ll have to bulk up and add strength to make an instant impact on the college level. That’s pretty much the norm for all high school recruits, especially linemen entering the college game, so nothing too alarming, but it may prevent Leigh from playing right away as a freshman.

However, he projects as a multi-year starter and potential high draft pick in the NFL if he adds strength and stays healthy at Clemson.

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