Clemson's newest commit a college all-American?

Well, Cortez Davis’ coach at Dayton Beach Mainland High thinks so.

Davis, still just a junior, committed to the Tigers over the weekend, joining teammate and fellow junior Marlin Lane, a running back.

“They both could be all-Americans there by the time their time is done,” said Mainland coach John Maronto Tuesday night. “They’re that good.”

As for Davis, who is already 6-foot-5 but still just 180 pounds. I asked if because of his height, Clemson expected him to eventually put on weight and play TE or along the line.

“No way,” Maronto said. “He’s a skill-position player. I don’t know where he’ll end up but Clemson’s offensive and defensive coaches all want him.

“He’s a freakish guy; he’s got great hands and a 40-inch vertical leap. He’s a very good basketball player—some people around here thought he would be the next Vince Carter, but he realized his future is in football.

“He could be a special player.”

How good is he? Davis started at safety as a freshman, and had seven interceptions. He had four more last year.

“Now people will just not throw it in his direction,” Maronto said.

So why the early commitment?

“He visited last weekend and really liked the atmosphere and all the people. And I give him credit for getting this out of the way and concentrating on the task at hand, which for us is always trying to win a state championship.”

But there was something more, Maronto said.

“Marlin is maybe his best friend; those two kids are very good for each other. They talked about changing their environment, getting out of Florida, improving their chances to make something of their lives.

“I give them a lot of credit for that.”

--Stan Olson