RB Corey Clement Commits to Pitt

Paul Chryst added another future offensive commitment with his second pickup in as many days, this time in Glassboro (NJ) running back Corey Clement. This is a great pickup for Chryst as he looks to restore Pitt's recruiting ties in New Jersey after the state was largely ignored last season. Corey is considered one of the top prospects in New Jersey and is commit #7 for Pitt's 2013 class.

Clement is considered one of the top running backs in the 2013 class and was given 3 stars by Rivals while getting 4 stars from Scout and ESPN, making him Pitt's first ESPN300 recruit. His offer list is impressive with Pitt beating out Notre Dame, Penn State, and Ohio State for Clement's services. He also claims offers from Florida State, Iowa, Nebraska, and West Virginia.

Pitt has had some great success in the recent seasons with running backs out of the state of New Jersey with Dion Lewis and Ray Graham, so there's hope that Clement will be able to match that success once he gets to campus. As far as filling in for Ray Graham after he graduates, Pitt heads into the ACC with quite the backfield. A ground game featuring the likes of Rushel Shell, Isaac Bennett, and Corey Clement can easily match most other backfields in not just the ACC, but the rest of the country.

Here is what ESPN had to say about the newest Panther:

Clement has prototypical load-back size and power at this stage and a style that translate well to the college level. Strong, powerfully built with a low center of gravity. While thick with a wide power-base he has very good feet and deceptive quickness in and out of his cuts. He can make defenders miss through the hole and tight spaces or run through them. Attacks the hole and gets downhill with authority but will surprise you with his lateral agility and jump-cuts out of traffic. Sees daylight quickly and has the burst to hit it. Shifty with his low base and quick change-of-direction. At his best though planting and getting North. Quickly gains strong downhill momentum and powers his way through first contact while still not giving defenders a clean shot. Possesses a very strong running base and is balanced on contact as well as very determined. Rarely goes down on first contact and finishes runs with second efforts. Flashes a strong stiff-arm and does a good job warding off smaller DB's. Looks to have high carry durability, strength and stamina but we do feel like his current speed and effective elusiveness will level off at the college level. Not going win many foot races or make quicker DB's miss in space but should remain productive at making sharp speed cuts and slipping tacklers. What really puts this guy into a coveted spot is his well-rounded skill-set and ability to stay on the field for three downs. Not only can he carry the load, Clement has the strength/leverage to block and has very polished hands and receiving skills out of the backfield. Overall we feel this back is only going to see his stock rise throughout the recruiting process and could be very productive in the right downhill scheme.

He reminds me of Ray Graham. Graham isn't going to blow by guys with his speed, but he has the moves to be able to evade defenders and pick up big gains on the ground. Graham also showed last season that he can be lethal catching balls out of the backfield (see: South Florida).

Clement was a offensive weapon in his junior season, rushing for over 2500 yards and 36 touchdowns while also seeing some time as kicker and defensive back. Here is a great highlight reel of him courtesy of Gridiron Highlight.

Welcome to Pitt, Corey Clement!