MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — Clemson received its 12th public verbal commitment for its football recruiting class of 2009 as Corico Hawkins, a linebacker from Baldwin High School in Milledgeville, Ga., picked the Tigers over his other two top schools, Florida and Auburn.

Hawkins announced his intentions to sign with Clemson at a news conference at the high school. Scout.com ranks Hawkins as a three-star and the No. 21 middle linebacker prospect in the nation, and the 6-foot, 220-pounder also had offers from Florida State, Georgia Tech, North Carolina State, South Carolina, Alabama, Nebraska, Colorado and Oklahoma State.

During his junior season at Baldwin, Hawkins recorded 109 tackles, 16 tackles for a loss and three forced fumbles on his way to team MVP and first-team All-State honors.

Hawkins is the third linebacker to give his pledge to the Tigers for this class, joining Warner Robins, Ga. four-star Eric Fields and Lake View three-star Quandon Christian.

An update on Hopkins. Daniel High School two-sport standout DeAndre Hopkins is only about to begin his junior season for the Lions’ football team, but he is already drawing big interest from major schools in both football and basketball.

Hopkins reports an offer from Clemson in football, while Virginia, Florida State, Auburn and Alabama are showing interest but have yet to offer. As far as basketball, Hopkins has offers from South Carolina and Florida, while North Carolina, Maryland and Wake Forest have shown interest.

— Will Vandervort contributed to this story