Clemson cornerback Toriano Pride Jr. took to X last Thursday evening to announce his intent to enter the portal and seek a new team after spending the last two seasons as a Tiger.
A surprise for fans, Pride has a high ceiling and was a player many were excited to see down the line for the Tigers. The sophomore cornerback is now one of the top names in the transfer portal and should find himself at another top program in college football.
Following his decision, Pride shared some of the reasons he decided to enter the portal, with opportunity being the key.
“In high school, I was recruited heavily by Brent Venables that’s at Oklahoma,” Pride said. “I just talked to him every single day. Parents, my mom. And when my mom likes you, it’s a big deal. So we just built that up, and then when I got there, he had the home visit with us right before he left to Oklahoma, and then he ended up leaving.”
“And I still wanted to put my trust in the staff, and it was just different building a bond with them and the person that was recruiting me. Instead of going to the school, building it right then and there. Instead of building it over time like me and Brent Venables did.”
“It’s really just one word, in bold letters: Opportunity. Really. That’s all. To fulfill my dreams, I just need the opportunity.”
There is no recent news on Pride, but offers have definitely come as he is considered one of the top, if not the top player in the portal at his position.