Key to Clemson's Longevity Has Been Their Recruiting Budget
The college football world has been dominated by two teams the last four seasons, and that does not look like it'll change any time soon thanks to the overwhelming talent that resides on Alabama and Clemson's rosters.
But, how do they acquire so much talent so consistently? Money.
The Clemson Tigers' football program's recruiting budget was just over $315K in 2006. Now, the recruiting budget is over $2.9 million.
Smile! ??
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) August 13, 2019
Team Picture BTS ??? pic.twitter.com/EeARatmzyz
The school is investing a large amount of capital into the football program, and the results are a huge success. This includes investing in some of the best recruiters in the nation, including one Todd Bates, the Tigers' defensive tackles coach who has played a huge role in landing the commitments of some of the best d-line prospects in the country.
Meet Todd Bates, Clemson's ace recruiter. He's a dad of four with newborn twins, a poet, a former gym hockey teacher and above all -- the ultimate dreamer. Eleven years ago, he told Dabo Swinney not to forget about him some day. This is his story: https://t.co/w66ZGmQmLD
— Grace Raynor (@gmraynor) August 15, 2019
Clemson appeared in the College Football Playoff in four straight seasons, with three championship game appearances, and two National Championship titles.
The football team helped to put the school on the map, inevitably increasing nationwide popularity. Players want to win, and being able to develop a level of consistent success is appealing to young football players.
A good coach helps, too, and Dabo Swinney is no doubt an integral reason why the team is successful, but the players are the ones on the field and performing on Saturdays. Recruiting is arguably the most important aspect of college football to determine success.
It's no secret that budget will continue to rise for Clemson with the expectation that the success of the program will do the same.