Scott Pagano Commits To Clemson Over UF, LSU, Bama

Scott Pagano, an elite defensive line recruit, has committed to the Clemson Tigers. Pagano stars for Moanalua High School in Honolulu, rates as a consensus four-star recruit and ranks among the 40 best defensive line recruits nationally, according to a composite rating of the four major recruiting services.

Pagano selected Clemson over the Alabama Crimson Tide, Florida Gators and LSU Tigers. The move was a surprise, as Pagano had long been thought to favor LSU or Florida, but a recent visit to Clemson apparently swayed him.

At 6-foot-4 and 280 pounds, Pagano is an extremely strong player who easily overpowers his competition. But strength isn't the only weapon in his arsenal; Pagano also flashes excellent quickness off the ball. Pagano does have family in South Carolina, however, and that also is thought to have factored in his decision.

Pagano is Clemson's 16th commitment of the 2013 class, and the first defensive tackle. Clemson could take as many as 25 players in the cycle.

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