by: Darby Childress
ALL-IN is the motto for the Clemson Tigers football team. Every player that comes in is expected to have that mindset. That dedication is what pays off both on the field and off. Paul Tchio, from Milton, Georgia, decided to be ALL-IN when he committed to Clemson on November 25, 2018. Paul, an offensive lineman, went to Milton High School where he played both offensive and defensive lines as a senior.
He accounted for one touchdown and one two- point conversion. In his junior year, he helped his team to a 13-2 record, and the Georgia State Football Championship for the first time in school history. At the time of his signing, ESPN rated him the 143rd best player overall, third-best offensive guard, and the fifteenth best player in Georgia. 24/7 Sports named him eighty-fifth best player overall, third-best offensive guard, and ninth-best player in Georgia. He was named Athlete of the Week by WSB-TV in Atlanta, North Georgia Lineman of the Year, named to Atlanta Journal-Constitution 2019 Pre-Season Super 11 team, First-Team All-State, and First Team All-Region. Paul was selected to the U.S. Army All- American Bowl and was an Adidas All-American selection. The four-star athlete had thirteen total offers from the University of Alabama, University of Florida, Florida State University, University of Georgia, Ohio State University, and the University of Louisville, among others.
He was recruited to Clemson by Mickey Conn and Robbie Caldwell. Paul is described as being “one of the better movers at offensive tackle in the 2020 class”, which is proven by his 5.30-second 40-yard dash, and 4.70-second shuttle run. He also has a 27.60-inch vertical jump. He is comparable to Zack Fulton of the Houston Texans with his speed and comfort “playing in space and climbing to second level defenders”. He was also described as being an “eventual high-level Power 5 starter with early-round NFL Draft upside”. Paul will likely have a chance to showcase his abilities with the loss of John Simpson and Gage Cervenka, due to them graduating following the end of last season. When asked why he chose Clemson Paul told Hannah Goodin, from GPB Sports, “Clemson approached me differently than the other schools during my recruitment. They really took their time with me and built good solid relationships, and just made me feel at home”. Paul enrolled at Clemson in January of 2020 where he will be a communications major. This fall fans should look forward to seeing how Paul Tchio takes the field as a Clemson Tiger. Brought to you by:
