Prior to this run Clemson has been on their 5 years leading up to their first title, their class ranks were about the same as ND and in some years lower. What did Dabo do differently? Develop and coach. Even then..their class last year was 9th! Texas and Oregon were ranked higher. Rankings aren't nearly as important as "services" make them to be.
And I'm not talking about how the team does...I'm not a fan of his coaching...that's my point. Yea, Camping World Sun Holiday Pinstripe whatever bowl is about his ceiling. But good-to-great players have come through those doors. BK and Co ain't great at developing them. Other than WRs/TEs.