Why a top 100 Clemson football recruiting target chose an ACC rival instead

Clemson football missed out on a fourth top 100 recruit for the 2023 cycle this week as a four-star defensive line target opted for an ACC rival.

Keldric Faulk, a four-star Alabama defensive lineman who ranks as the country’s No. 84 rising senior, committed to Florida State over fellow finalists Auburn, Clemson and Florida on Tuesday afternoon.

Faulk’s decision ultimately came down to Clemson and Florida State, and he didn’t make a final choice until late Monday night, he told On3 Sports’ Chad Simmons.

“It came down to where I felt comfortable, where my mom felt comfortable, what school I felt best about, and that is Florida State,” Faulk told On3 Sports.

He added of the Seminoles: “Florida State is coming back. I am confident in coach (Mike) Norvell, and that was part of my decision, too. The players love him, they love what he is doing and in the next few years, Florida State will be back at the top.”

Faulk, listed as the nation’s No. 9 defensive lineman in the 247Sports composite, had earned a Clemson offer in January and officially the school in early June.

As a junior at Highland Home High School in Alabama, he had 82 tackles, 11 sacks, six pass break-ups, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble.

Clemson had previously landed commitments from top 100 recruits Christopher Vizzina, a five-star Alabama quarterback; Vic Burley, a four-star Georgia defensive lineman; and Harris Sewell, a four-star Texas interior offensive lineman.

Vizzina (No. 34), Burley (No. 41) and Sewell (No. 73) are the top-ranked commits in a 16-man class that ranks fourth in 247Sports’ composite 2023 team rankings behind Notre Dame, Ohio State and Texas.