Interview: 3-Star 2022 Georgia ATH CJ Clinkscales Talks Commitment to Boston College
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
As Buford High School was working their way to glory on the Georgia high school football field during the 2020 season, the coaches at Boston College were thinking about the grandeur that one Wolves player could bring to their program – CJ Clinkscales.
The Class of 2022 standout was a two-way performer for Buford during the team’s 13-1 run to a 6A state championship knocking players on their backside in the secondary and blistering folks as an all-purpose running back on offense. Seeing Clinkscales as a difference maker in the ACC within the Eagles’ offensive scheme, and offer was dropped.
On Feb. 18, the three-star recruit became a silent commit to the Eagles. On March 24, that commitment was made public becoming the 10th verbal commit to Boston College in the latest recruiting haul.
In an RNG exclusive interview, Clinkscales goes over his recruiting process with the Eagles’ coaching staff seeing how they beat out 13 other offers to land one of Georgia’s top athletes in the 2022 class.
Interview
CJ, congratulations on your commitment to Boston College.
Thank you.
How did the recruiting process with Boston College go from initial interest to offer and then to commitment?
I am a Clemson fan, last year when they played Boston College I was impressed with their program. Going against the No. 1 team in the country isn’t easy and they gave Clemson everything they had. That got my interest. Coach (Rich) Gunnell (RB) started talking to me a few weeks before he offered me. I was definitely interested.
About two weeks ago, a teammate and I went up there. We looked at the campus and the city. I love the city and the campus was amazing. About a week later, I hopped on a Zoom with the coaches. Before I went up there, Coach Gunnell and Coach (Jeff) Hafley (head coach) were staying in touch. With everything they had to offer, I talked it over with my parents and decided that Boston college is where I want to be.
You have the amazing speed and balance out of the backfield and can cover on defense, at which position did they recruit you to play?
They recruited me to play running back.
What did the coaches at Boston College tell you they liked about your overall game?
They like how I am able to catch the ball out of the backfield, they like my speed, and how I work in space. They plan to use me on some outside zones and passes out of the backfield allowing me to work in open space.
When during the process did you start to lean more heavily to the Eagles?
I’d say probably about two weeks after they offered me. Coach Gunnell and I had developed a relationship. When Coach Hafley reached out, that is when I felt the connection with Boston College.
When did you verbally commit to the staff and which coach received the good news first?
I verbally committed on Feb. 18, today is when I made it public. It was on a Zoom with the Coach (Frank) Cignetti (OC), Coach Gunnell, and Coach Hafley.
Knowing what you were about to tell them, what was racing through your mind before you committed?
I was really excited, but it was a little nerve racking. This is a big step in my life. I was both excited and nervous, but I am really happy with my decision. I put it all in God’s hands. He will lead me in the right path. I was very happy.
How does it feel to accomplish a major life goal?
Wow; it feels amazing. I have been playing football since I was six. Time really flies. I never thought the day would come that I would be committing to play college football.
What are you going to do to celebrate?
(Laughs). Today, I had track practice. After track practice, me and some of my friends, we went out to grab some food.
When you start talking to other recruits about heading up to Boston as part of the 2022 class, what are you going to tell them?
I will say it is the culture that Coach Hafley is building at Boston College. He is turning the program around. It is about the change in culture. He has great knowledge of the game after working at other schools and in the NFL.
CJ, I appreciate your time today. Again, congratulations on your commitment to Boston College.
Thank you, sir.
Clinkscales’ Offer Sheet (14): Air force, Akron, Appalachian State, Boston College, Bowling Green, Brown, Colorado, Eastern Kentucky, Kent State, Liberty, Middle Tennessee State, Navy, UAB, and West Virginia
Photo credit: Clinkscales family; CJ Clinkscales