Junior Clemson commit Anthony a huge catch

The commitment of Shaq Anthony, a junior offensive lineman, to the Tigers probably couldn’t have gone any other way.

“He grew up in a Clemson home; both of his parents are Clemson graduates,” said his coach, Jeff Tate of Wren High in Piedmont, S.C., a few minutes ago. “He’s been to camp there several times, and he knows several people who played there.”

That would include dad Vernie Anthony, a defensive lineman on the 1981 national champions, and a brother who currently attends the school.

Shaq Anthony committed in church Sunday morning, on a day when Clemson coach Dabo Swinney was addressing the congregation.

“Shaq started as a 15-year old sophomore for us at right tackle, and got beat every which way you can think of,” said Tate. “But he kept working and fighting. This year, he played left tackle and did a great job.”

Tate said Anthony, currently 6-4½ and 260 pounds, had also been offered by South Carolina, Georgia, East Carolina and Duke, with many others looking forward to having him at camp.

“He can pass-set as well as anybody I’ve ever had, and he’s quick enough to pull a lot,” Tate said. “He’s got those long arms, and he’s got some things that we can’t instruct.”

Anthony would have been a national recruit next season.

--Stan Olson