Recruiting in college football often involves establishing connections with high school programs that consistently produce top-tier players, providing a significant recruiting advantage. In the ACC, programs like Clemson have strong pipelines with schools like Daniel High School, which has produced notable alumni such as DeAndre Hopkins and Shaq Lawson, who went on to successful NFL careers. The connection between Daniel and Clemson continues with players like Jaheim Lawson contributing to the Tigers' roster.
Another notable pipeline in the ACC involves Miami and St. Thomas Aquinas, a renowned high school program in South Florida. Over the years, Miami has welcomed several St. Thomas Aquinas prospects, including NFL players like Phillip Dorsett and Brandon Linder. The current Miami roster features players like OJ Frederique and Jordan Lyle, showcasing the ongoing success of this pipeline.
SMU, as a newer ACC member, has also established pipelines with schools like South Oak Cliff, contributing to the team's success. Players from South Oak Cliff, such as Kevin Jennings and Billy Walton III, have made an impact on SMU's roster. Looking ahead, SMU is targeting promising recruits like Brian Swanson and Jaderian Jones to further strengthen this pipeline.