Clemson looking to balance 2013 recruiting class with skill-position firepower

With 11 players committed and aiming for a recruiting class of about 20, Clemson's football coaching staff continues to work the nation's top tier of prospects while looking to round out a group that currently leans heavily toward the defensive side of the ball.

The Tigers' group of 11 incudes three linebackers, three defensive ends, and two defensive backs, as well as one running back, one tight end, and one offensive lineman.

Following is a look at a pool of wide receiver prospects high on Clemson's wish list for the second half of the 2013 recruiting cycle:

Ryan Jenkins, 5-11, 180, Marietta, Ga. - The brother of Clemson junior cornerback Martin Jenkins, he's had a Clemson offer for more than a year. He's narrowed his choices to Clemson and Oklahoma State, and plans to announce his decision this weekend at The Opening, a training competition in Oregon sponsored by Nike. He's ranked as the nation's No. 40 wide receiver by 247Sports and No. 47 by Rivals.

Marquez North, 6-3, 205, Charlotte, N.C. - Rated as the state's No. 1 prospect and as the No. 3 receiver in the nation by Rivals, North lists Clemson atop a list that includes North Carolina, Georgia, Ohio State, N.C. State and Florida.

Demarcus Robinson, 6-2, 200, Fort Valley, Ga. - A battle among Clemson, Georgia and Florida could be decided by the end of the summer. He's a consensus top-20 wide receiver by ESPN, Scout and Rivals.

Johnathan Howard, 6-4, 180, Rochelle, Ga. - A tall, rangy wide-out, Howard has long listed Clemson as his favorite. He's ranked No. 29 at his position by ESPN and No. 79 by Rivals.

Mike Williams, 6-4, 185, Santee, S.C. - Another tall target, Williams has options in-state and out-of-state, with Clemson and South Carolina battling Georgia, Alabama, Notre Dame and Tennessee.

Laquon Treadwell, 6-3, 185, Crete, Ill. - He's ranked as the nation's No. 3 wide receiver by Rivals and No. 4 by ESPN. He has offers from most of the Big Ten, Notre Dame, Southern Cal and Oklahoma.

Jayron Kearse, 6-4, 195, Fort Myers, Fla. - The versatile Kearse, which is generally listed as an 'athlete' by recruiting analysts, de-committed from Miami after visiting Dabo Swinney's camp and reopened his recruiting. Clemson is in the thick of the mix.

Alvin Bailey, 5-11, 170, Seffner, Fla. - A recent visitor to Clemson, Bailey is ranked as the nation's No. 16 wide receiver by Rivals and No. 69 by Scout.

Richard Benjamin, 6-1, 195, Tampa, Fla. - Ranked as the No. 27 wide receiver in the nation by ESPN, Benjamin attended Dabo Swinney's camp and also has offers from Alabama, Auburn, Florida and Florida State.