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Paterson (NJ) Paterson Catholic

Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 265 lbs

Coast to coast notes: Texas O-lineman Evan Washington is getting interest from several Big 12 and SEC schools - ESPN

Jersey sleeper

College coaches have been flocking to Paterson, N.J., for the past two weeks to check up on jumbo athlete T.J. Clemmings of Paterson Catholic. The raw, 6-foot-6, 260-pounder is a tremendous athlete who, up until this past season, played basketball exclusively.

He gave football a try this year and has quickly developed into a wanted man for schools that recruit the Garden State. Coaches love his upside and his high character.

In recent weeks, coaches from Notre Dame, Miami (Fla.), Florida, Penn State, Pitt, Ohio State, South Carolina, Maryland, Michigan State and others have come through the school.

"There are a lot of coaches coming in and a lot of coaches coming in at once," he said. "This whole process has been great. I just have to thank my high school coaches for pushing me and continuing to push me."

His ability to play basketball (he broke a backboard playing that sport earlier in his high school career) has translated to the gridiron.

"It pretty much has helped me learn how to move," he said. "I can move on the court, and now I can move on the field."

Clemmings says that he will definitely take unofficial visits to Maryland and Pittsburgh this summer. The Terps and Panthers were among the earliest schools to offer. He is not concerned about distance from home at this point and trips to more schools (possibly down South or out West) are possible, depending on who offers.