Clemson gets first 2006 commitment

Coach Oliver Purnell received a nice Valentine's present last evening when talented 6-foot-5 junior guard/forward David Potter called to inform him that he wanted to make a verbal commitment to the Clemson Tigers. Potter is the first player from the Class of 2006 to announce for The Tigers.

Right now 6-foot-5 junior swingman David Potter, Bradenton, FL, IMG Academy, is not highly ranked on many national recruiting lists. However, since leaving Laurel, Md., Senior High School two years ago, and repeating his sophomore grade last year at IMG Academy, Potter's game has elevated significantly, And, he has attracted the attention of many college recruiters, including Clemson head coach Oliver Purnell.

After receiving scholarship offers from Georgetown, Michigan, Pittsburgh, and Clemson, and interest from numerous other schools, last night Potter verbally committed to Coach Purnell's Tigers.

This past weekend Potter made an unofficial visit to Clemson, and, really liked the players, coaches, and future playing opportunities in Coach Purnell's program.

Last May, Potter impressed us as a talented sophomore playing up in the 17-Under age group for team DC Assault in our Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions in North Carolina.

He is averaging 14 points and 8 rebounds for the IMG Academy high school team this season.

Potter is the first player from that class to commit to Clemson.

His talented IMG Academy teammate, 6-foot-10 center/forward Rousean Cromwell, who previously played at Memphis, Tenn., Fairley High School, made an official visit to Clemson several weeks ago, and, according to our sources, The Tigers may now be the leaders for Cromwell.

Reportedly, Rousean also plans to visit Florida State and Stanford, and possibly Villanova and UAB. However, we can only speculate that David Potter's commitment to Clemson could help the Tigers in their recruitment of Cromwell.

Rivals.com will keep you informed.