Jarrett takes in Clemson practice

One of Clemson’s 2011 verbal commitments was in town Saturday to watch the Tigers’ practice inside Death Valley.

DT Grady Jarrett Profile

CUTigers caught up with Rockdale County High School (Conyers, Ga.) defensive tackle Grady Jarrett shortly after his visit to Tigertown.

The Scout.com three-star was joined by his mother, who’s accompanied him on every trip he’s made to Clemson.

“It was good, just watched practiced and watched the coaches and players a little bit,” Jarrett said.

They were there for the start of practice, which began shortly after 9:30 that morning, and left for home around 5 o’clock that evening.

Jarrett enjoyed watching practice—it was the first he’d seen the Tigers on the field working out.

“I got to see how they operate players with their players, instead of being at a camp. We got to watch the d-line practice up close,” he said.

As for his current team, Jarrett and the rest of his Rockdale teammates start the 2010 season this week against Winder Barrow.

“We’re looking pretty good for the season,” Jarrett said.

There are high expectations this season for Rockdale, which came within one game of the state championship last season.

“We feel we’re capable of doing it. We’ve just got to go out there and show that we can…if we can pull it together, we can get there,” Jarrett said.

He was recently selected to the Georgia 4-A preseason All-State team as a defensive lineman.

“Last year I had 18 sacks. I’m going to try to get 20 this year,” Jarrett said. “I want to top my numbers from last year. It could be pretty hard, but I think I can do it.”

Adding to those numbers against rival Clarke Central would be extra sweet. The Gladiators are quarterbacked by Martay Mattox, a 2011 South Carolina commit.

“That’s going to work out pretty good, I’m going to try to get to him,” Jarrett said.

“I’m going to get after him regardless, but I guess that would be a little extra motivation.”