Clemson received a commitment from running back Ben Axon (6-foot-2, 195 pounds) of Bradenton, Fla., on Tuesday.
“The decision was made on the family thing,”
Axon said. “Family is strong, and I think that’s what Clemson gave me in the long run. I’ve visited Clemson three times over the last three summers, and I felt like they had something to offer me and I had something to offer them.”
Axon, who rushed for 1026 yards and 16 touchdowns and caught 38 passes last season, said the coaches had informed him of the running back situation at Clemson, and he understands what kind of opportunity he has.
“From what they tell me, James Davis and C.J. Spiller are going to the draft,”
Axon said. “Even if Spiller decides to come back and stay for a year, there’s no pressure. I’m ready to sit back and learn from somebody that has experience in the ACC.”
Axon said once he gets his chance to carry the football at Clemson, Tiger fans will like what they see. “The style of offense, the I-formation, is what we run back at my school,”
Axon said. “I think that’s the style of offense where I can get the fall 20 times, maybe 30 times a go. I’m a fourth quarter guy. That’s the most important thing for me, getting the ball in the fourth quarter. I believe that’s what I can bring to the Clemson Tigers.”
Among the other offers for Axon are USC, Florida State, South Florida and West Virginia. He is Clemson’s 10th commitment for the 2009 class.
