To his credit, Roebuck (S.C.) Dorman offensive lineman
Jordan McFadden has been very clear about his status in recent months: he still considers himself committed to Virginia Tech, but is strongly considering an offer from home-state Clemson (which offered long after he'd picked the Hokies). The 6-4, 280-pounder is one of four offensive linemen in the Hokies' class, and despite what may look like meager rankings (he's a 5.5 "low" three-star) the reigning National Champs are still showing interest.
From speaking with McFadden and those around him over the past couple months, my feeling is that he has a slight preference for the Tigers, but does give weight to the fact that VT offered him long before they even showed interest. All else being equal, it's about as close to a 50-50 shot as possible.
Is all else equal, though? Defensive line coach Charley Wiles was in Columbia, S.C. this weekend to watch McFadden's Dorman squad come up one point short of a Class 4A state championship. He was also there to see 2019 receiver Jacoby Pinckney (who is close to a VT lock, especially if they hold onto McFadden) but seeing the big lineman was also a priority. Sources close to the Hokies indicate that they have a firm grasp on what's going through McFadden's mind.
"They are trying hard to hold onto him," the source indicated. "They're just worried about Clemson."
While Clemson has verbally offered, they might not be willing to take McFadden at this point anyway. Though the Tigers have just 11 commitments (none of them offensive linemen), they're planning on taking a very small 2018 class, and that includes limited need for players along the OL.
Ever since five-star Cade Mays decommitted from Tennessee in the early stages of the soap opera that continues to unfold in Knoxville, he's been priority No. 1 for the Tigers. Our folks in South Carolina indicate that Clemson probably won't be willing to accept a commitment from McFadden unless and until they know that Mays is no longer an option for them. Mays plans to extend his process at least through the end of the contact period, with an official visit to Georgia scheduled for the Dec. 15 weekend. If he decides to take his time, even if Clemson misses on him, their slow-play of McFadden could work in VT's favor.
I've been pretty clear throughout that I think Clemson has a slight edge in flipping McFadden from VT, and I still believe that to be the case. However, the longer this goes without Clemson being willing to take his commitment, the better it is for the Hokies.
