Nation's No. 1 Safety Commits to Clemson

The Clemson Tigers received a verbal commitment from the nation's No. 1 safety Wednesday afternoon.

S Craig Loston Profile

Wednesday afternoon Houston, Tex. native Craig Loston (6-1, 190, 4.57), the top-ranked safety in the nation according to Scout.com, verbally committed to the Clemson coaching staff.

Loston told the news to Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden Wednesday evening.

"I tried to call Coach Vic (Koenning) and he didn't answer," he said. "My coach talked with Coach (Billy) Napier and he told me to call coach Bowden. I called him and he wasn't available so I called him back in 10 minutes. I told him I wanted to come to Clemson. He was pretty excited."

Why did he decide he wanted to commit to Clemson today?

"I just feel like that is where I want to be. I feel at home at Clemson. I know I will get a chance to play early," replied Loston. "It was the perfect time. I was just tired of everything. I was ready to get it over."

How firm is his commitment to the Tigers?

"I am going to take some other visits, but I am firm. I think Clemson is going to be my final destination," replied Loston.

The commitment comes one day after defensive coordinator Vic Koenning and recruiting coordinator/tight ends coach Billy Napier visited Loston's school.

Loston also visited Clemson for the Orange & White game earlier in the month.

As an interesting side note, Loston plans to enroll at Clemson in January.

"I am excited. I am ready to go," he added. "I can't wait to get there."

Loston chose the Tigers over offers from many schools around the country, including Georgia, LSU, Miami, Oklahoma, Texas A&M and Southern California.

During his junior season, Loston had 83 tackles and three interceptions defensively. On offense, he had 21 catches for 847 yards and seven touchdowns. He also scored four touchdowns on special teams (two kickoff, two punt return) as a return specialist.

He was also the top safety at the Scout.com/Under Armour Combine in Dallas earlier in this month when he posted a 4.57 time in the 40 and a 10-foot-1 broad jump.

For his efforts, he was named the MVP of the camp.

A five-star safety, Loston is also the Tigers' seventh verbal commitment for the 2009 class.

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Loston at Clemson's annual spring game in early April.