The Recruitment of Jimmy Clausen
|
Playing for Westlake Village (CA) Oaks Christian high school, Jimmy Clausen set the recruiting world on fire
with 137 TD passes vs. only 12 interceptions during his sophomore through senior seasons. Clausen
passed for 3,428 yards and 49 TD's his senior season.
Besides Notre Dame, USC Michigan and South Carolina were in the Clausen Derby. When Clausen made
his choice on what college jersey would wear, he did it with great fanfare.
On April 22, 2006, Jimmy Clausen verbally committed to the University of Notre Dame. Jimmy Clausen was
the most highly touted recruit for the Fighting Irish since the arrival of Ron Powlus in 1993. Jimmy Clausen
did announce his oral commitment at the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Indiana after arriving
in a stretch Hummer limousine. Jimmy Clausen also said he planned to win four national titles with the Irish.
Jimmy was the third Clausen brother to wear a college football jersey. Jimmy's oldest brother, Casey,
wrapped up four years of starting at Tennessee and finished his career as the second most prolific passer
in school history, behind Peyton Manning. His other brother, Rick, initially signed with LSU before transferring
to Tennessee in 2003.
An article on SIKids.com featured the talents that had college coaches drooling for Jimmy Clausen's
services. "...Others see the arm of John Elway, the composure of Tom Brady and the quick release of Joe
Namath. Clausen carries the ball high, by his ear, which gives him a short, accurate and ridiculously
consistent motion. "I've never seen anyone with a quicker release than Jimmy has," says Brian Sipe, the
former Cleveland Browns quarterback and NFL MVP who is now the coach at Santa Fe Christian in San
Diego. "I didn't expect to see that at the high school level."
|
|
