ESPN College Football

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

Paul Strelow of the Columbia State reported today that Clemson recruit Leon Mackey would have to sit out a year and lose a year of eligibility if he signs with Clemson today because of an ACC rule that punishes players for signing with one conference school and switching to another.

Signing elsewhere sounds like a no-brainer for Mackey, who has reportedly said he wants to play as soon as possible, but I wonder if he was aware of the rule when he decided not to enroll at Virginia Tech. It's a fair rule, considering National Letters of Intent are supposed to be binding, and things can get ugly if recruits can switch ACC schools on the whim of a 17-year-old.

It's a story line worth paying attention to today, but regardless of where Mackey winds up, Clemson fans have reason to be excited about this year's class. It's small, but with five recruits ranked among the ESPN 150, it's good.