The Insider Report: Latest intel on official visitors, campers, newest commit & more

It’s time for this week’s edition of The Insider Report. We hope everyone had a great weekend. More details on Monday’s big commitment After speaking with Westlake (Atlanta, Ga.) four-star cornerback Avieon Terrell this afternoon, we have some more …

It’s time for this week’s edition of The Insider Report.

We hope everyone had a great weekend.

 More details on Monday’s big commitment

After speaking with Westlake (Atlanta, Ga.) four-star cornerback Avieon Terrell this afternoon, we have some more details on a commitment that was more than a couple of years in the making.

“The family atmosphere,” Terrell said when asked why he chose Clemson over schools like Auburn, Kentucky, Michigan State and Texas A&M. “It felt like family up there. I couldn’t really build other relationships like I could at Clemson. Everything was smooth up there.”

With his commitment, Terrell became the fifth member of Clemson’s 2023 recruiting class, joining fellow cornerback and another Peach State native in St. Francis (Alpharetta, Ga.) four-star Branden Strozier.

There’s already a relationship there as Terrell told us that he and Strozier train together.

Terrell is not planning on being an early enrollee. So when he arrives on campus about a year from now, what can Clemson fans expect out of him?

“A dog. A humble beast. A leader. A vocal leader, all that,” he said. “Respectful. Lit. Turnt.”

While Terrell was not at Clemson’s official visit weekend from June 3-5, The Clemson Insider learned that he will instead be taking his official visit for the South Carolina game on Nov. 26.

Vizzina details official visit experience 

The Clemson Insider caught up with Briarwood Christian (Alabama) four-star quarterback commit Christopher Vizzina, who detailed this past weekend’s official visit in an interview Monday.

“I knew it was going to be a fun weekend going in, but we were all blown away about how much fun we had and just the experience it was,” Vizzina said. “I think we really opened a lot of people’s eyes. The certain things that Coach Swinney says, he always has those long speeches, but he really elaborates on everything. Walking out, of course, I know what he’s all about, but the people that haven’t been there that many times walked away knowing what he really believes and everything.”

Vizzina is in agreement with St. Francis (Alpharetta, Ga.) four-star cornerback commit Branden Strozier, who told us yesterday that he believes the 2023 class is “about to heat up.”

“Absolutely,” he replied. “Like I said, I think this opened a lot of people’s eyes. I think after this weekend we should add some guys.”

Vizzina got a chance to put on his recruiting cap this weekend and really recruit some guys in person. A lot of that groundwork has happened through texting and over social media and whatnot, but this past weekend’s official visit allowed for him to do more of that and then some in person.

“That was one of my favorite things,” Vizzina said. “All the guys there were guys I’ve been texting throughout the past two months after I committed. Just getting to know them on text was cool, but to really hang out with these guys and get to know them off the field, that was one of the best things.”

Clemson’s staff views Vizzina as the leader of this class.

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney brought Vizzina into his office on Friday.

“He sat me down and told me everyone that’s here, what they look like, where they’re from, what position, how many spots we have for that position and the people that he thought were really close,” Vizzina said. “I know that he thinks of me as the leader of the class and he knows I’m gonna give my best effort to get everybody we need.”

What does that mean to Vizzina?

“Me and him talk all the time about just all the recruiting things,” Vizzina continued. “Like I said, we talked about who is close and everything. I think he trusts me to really get on some guys, but really recruit them while we were hanging out. That’s what I wanted too. When I committed, I told everybody that I wanted to be the leader of the class.”

Vizzina informed us that a group chat was created for the 31 official visitors and everyone was pretty active in it, which he said made it that much more fun when they all got to meet each other in person.

“That group chat set the tone for the whole visit,” he said.

Vizzina is confident that Clemson should be adding some guys after this weekend.

5-star pass rusher talks Clemson offer

When Clemson formally turned the page to offering prospects in the 2024 class on Wednesday and started doling out offers to rising junior recruits, one of the first to report an offer from the Tigers was Buford (Ga.) 2024 five-star edge rusher Eddrick Houston.

“It was crazy for them to offer me this early,” Houston told The Clemson Insider on Sunday, regarding receiving the offer. “I was just amazed that my hard work paid off to get an early offer from them.

The nation’s No. 28 overall prospect in his class, per the 247Sports Composite, Houston announced the offer from the Tigers on Wednesday afternoon following a conversation with Clemson coach Dabo Swinney.

Houston was on campus with his teammate KJ Bolden, a fellow five-star and the nation’s No. 1 athlete in the class of 2024.

“We both got it at the same time and it was like the last offer we both wanted,” Houston said. 

“We know how hard it is to get an offer from Clemson and we were both excited when we heard the news. We couldn’t hold in our smiles, especially after we got an offer from Clemson.”

More on a Cincinnati commit who impressed at Swinney Camp

One of the most impressive wide receivers during the first two days of Dabo Swinney Camp this past week was Powell (TN.) 2023 three-star Ayden Greene.

And while Greene committed to the University of Cincinnati on his official visit this past weekend, we still wanted to pass along some updates on where Clemson stands with the impressive wideout.

The rising Volunteer State wideout impressed, as he was out to prove himself. His route running ability immediately jumped off the page, as well as his sure hands, as he was catching passes from some of the most talented signal-callers in the nation.

“It was great,” Greene told The Clemson Insider regarding his experience at Wednesday’s Swinney Camp. “I heard many things from Coach (Tyler) Grisham. He helped me critique things in my route running that will take my game to another level.”

According to Greene, Grisham said that he performed “great” and that Clemson’s wide receivers coach/recruiting coordinator will be in touch. This weekend, the Tigers hosted four wide receivers in the 2023 class on their official visits, including Edison (Miami, Fla.) four-star commit Nathaniel Joseph.

Generally speaking, if Clemson offers a recruit, it wants that offer to be committable. Though, Clemson did hand out an offer to Rockwall (TX.) four-star WR Noble Johnson, after he participated in the afternoon session of Thursday’s Swinney Camp.

When we spoke to Greene prior to him camping at Clemson, we asked him what it would mean to get a potential offer from a school like Clemson.

“It would mean a whole lot to me and my family,” Greene said at the time. “I don’t necessarily have a favorite team. I’ve never grown up having a favorite team or anything, but Clemson has always been somebody that I’ve kept up with, I’ve watched, I’ve always had an interest in…Me and my family, it’s always been a bucket list offer to get. It’d be pretty major.”

Heading into Wednesday, Greene was hopeful that he would leave with an offer, but he also wanted to leave feeling confident about what he showed he was capable of to Grisham

“I feel like I did great,” he said afterward. “I went my hardest and I left feeling good about it.”

When we asked Greene if he had discussed a potential offer with Clemson during his camp visit, he told us, “Time will tell.”

“I loved Clemson,” Greene added. “It’s (an) even better place than I thought it would be.”

For all intents and purposes, these interview(s) with Greene were conducted before he announced his commitment on Saturday.

Rising Peach State OL talks Swinney Camp experience

This big offensive lineman from the Peach State, who recently participated in Day 2 of the Dabo Swinney Camp, has seen his recruitment blow up over the past month.

Gabriel Fortson received his first offer from Georgia Tech on May 2. Between then and May 19, the 6-foot-4, 300-pound rising senior from North Cobb Christian School (Kennesaw, Ga.) racked up 18 more offers, including ACC and SEC offers from North Carolina, NC State, Duke, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Missouri.

Fortson participated in Thursday’s Swinney Camo and detailed his experience with The Clemson Insider. Forston also provided some of the feedback that received from Thomas Austin.

“He liked the way that I’m physical off the ball,” Fortson said of Clemson’s offensive line coach. “He said that I have great feet. He likes the way my hips move and everything.”

“He loved everything about me at camp,” Fortson continued. “He said he’ll give me a call within a couple of weeks or so and follow backup and things like that.”

What would it mean to Fortson if Clemson pulled the trigger on a potential scholarship offer?

“It’d mean a lot,” he said. “It’d immediately be one of my top schools in the list…I’d love to be a part of it.”

Staff Writer Gavin Oliver contributed to this week’s edition of The Insider Report.

Another Terrell is heading to Clemson

Clemson lands four-star corner Avieon Terrell

Clemson has added another important piece to their 2023 recruiting class.

Legacy recruit Avieon Terrell announced on Instagram Monday that he will be verbally committing to play football for the Clemson Tigers. Terrell chose the Tigers over four other options in Michigan State, Kentucky, Texas A&M and Auburn.

A four-star recruit, Avieon is the younger brother of former Clemson standout and current NFL star cornerback A.J. Terrell.

According to 247Sports composite rankings, the Westlake High School (Atlanta, GA.) product is currently their No.300 overall player and No.32 cornerback in the 2023 class. However, according to Rivals, Terrell is their No.107 overall player and No.16 ranked cornerback.

This signing is big news for the Tigers as Terrell joins Braden Strozier as the second cornerback for Clemson in this class and the fifth overall player committed.

Clemson will look to build on this solid start in the 2023 recruiting cycle.

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Brother of former Clemson standout commits to the Tigers

The Clemson football program has picked up a commitment from the brother of another former Tigers standout. Class of 2023 cornerback Avieon Terrell from Atlanta’s Westlake High School announced his commitment to Dabo Swinney’s program Monday via …

The Clemson football program has picked up a commitment from the brother of another former Tigers standout.

Class of 2023 cornerback Avieon Terrell from Atlanta’s Westlake High School announced his commitment to Dabo Swinney’s program Monday via social media.

Terrell, a composite four-star, who Rivals considers to be the No. 16 cornerback and the nation’s No. 107 overall prospect regardless of position in the class of 2023, chose Clemson over schools like Michigan State, Kentucky, Auburn and Texas A&M.

Aveion, of course, is the younger brother of former Clemson and current Atlanta Falcons cornerback, A.J. Terrell. Clemson offered the younger Terrell brother back in April. 29, 2020, and he’s made countless trips to The Valley ever since.

He was last on Clemson on Wednesday, June 1, which seemingly sealed the deal on Monday’s commitment. Avieon spoke at length with Clemson’s head coach, who also had an extensive conversation with his parents as well.

The conversation seemed promising at the time and wound up being a good omen for Monday’s announcement.

Clemson was always the team to beat in Avieon’s recruitment, especially with how AJ flourished under the tutelage of cornerbacks coach Mike Reed. 

We last spoke with Avieon after he attended Clemson’s Elite Junior Day at the end of January and he relayed what Reed’s message was to him at the time.

“He was just saying that it’s all love, even if I go somewhere else it’s all love,” Avieon said. “But, Clemson’s definitely at the top one of my schools and he was just saying how he could use me in their defense.”

While Aveion didn’t attend Clemson’s official visit weekend, he becomes the fifth member of Clemson’s 2023 recruiting class, joining Edison (Miami, Fla.) four-star wide receiver Nathaniel Joseph, Briarwood Christian (Birmingham, Ala.) four-star quarterback Christopher Vizzina, St. John’s College (Washington, D.C.) four-star edge rusher David Ojiegbe and St. Francis (Alpharetta, Ga.) four-star cornerback Branden Strozier.

Reed can now configure how he’ll use both the younger Terrell brother and Strozier in Clemson’s future defense.

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Major Clemson target, legacy recruit set to make commitment this afternoon

A major Clemson target is set to announce his commitment at 1 p.m. this afternoon. Westlake (Atlanta, Ga.) 2023 four-star cornerback Avieon Terrell is set to announce his college decision at 1:00 p.m. Monday, he announced via social media. Terrell, …

A major Clemson target is set to announce his commitment at 1 p.m. this afternoon.

Westlake (Atlanta, Ga.) 2023 four-star cornerback Avieon Terrell is set to announce his college decision at 1:00 p.m. Monday, he announced via social media. Terrell, who is coming off a visit to Tiger Town on Wednesday, June 1, will be deciding between Clemson, Michigan State, Kentucky, Texas A&M and Auburn.

At this time, The Clemson Insider has gathered enough information to make our sunny forecast for Terrell, who of course, is the younger brother of former Clemson and current Atlanta Falcons cornerback, A.J. Terrell.

As we pointed out last week, Clemson coach Dabo Swinney spent a lot of time with Avieon Wednesday. While he didn’t participate in the camp, nor did he attend this past weekend’s official visit, Avieon is quite familiar with what the program has to offer and has been a priority prospect for Clemson in the 2023 recruiting class.

Clemson offered the younger Terrell brother back on April. 29, 2020, and he’s made countless trips to The Valley ever since.

The Tigers have seemingly been the leader in the clubhouse for Avieon’s recruitment since that fateful day. Over two years later, we now anticipate Avieon (5-11, 180) to join St. Francis (Alpharetta, Ga.) four-star cornerback commit Branden Strozier in Mike Reed’s room.

We last spoke with Avieon after he attended Clemson’s Elite Junior Day at the end of January and he relayed what Clemson’s cornerbacks coach’s message was to him at the time.

“He was just saying that it’s all love, even if I go somewhere else it’s all love,” Avieon said. “But, Clemson’s definitely at the top one of my schools and he was just saying how he could use me in their defense.”

Based on our projection, Reed won’t have to worry about Avieon going elsewhere now.

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A.J. Terrell’s brother Avieon puts Clemson in top 5

NFL star and former Tiger’s brother lists Clemson in his top five schools

One of the consistent strengths we’ve seen out of Clemson over the last decade is elite production coming from their cornerbacks.

The Tigers now have another opportunity to lock up some elite talent as four-star cornerback Avieon Terrell announces Clemson among his top five choices. A prospect out of Atlanta, Georgia, Terrell announced yesterday on Twitter that he will be choosing between Clemson, Auburn, Michigan State, Texas A&M and Kentucky.

The younger brother of NFL star and former Clemson cornerback turned first-round pick, A.J. Terrell, Avieon, with his family ties, is projected to select Clemson according to 247sports. The site has him ranked as No.284 player and No.31 cornerback in their 2023 composite rankings.

After seeing what his older brother has developed into between his time and Clemson and how it translated to the NFL, it’s no wonder why the Tigers would lead consideration.

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Four-star CB Avieon Terrell has Auburn in top 5

Auburn cornerback target Avieon Terrell has released his top schools.

[autotag]Avieon Terrell[/autotag] has been an important target for Auburn for quite some time and the four-star cornerback has announced his top five schools.

The Atlanta, Georgia native has Auburn, Clemson, Michigan State, Kentucky, and Texas A&M as his finalist. While he has five finalists, Clemson and Auburn appear to be a cut above the rest.

Terrell is projected to go to Clemson by both 247Sports and On3. His connection to Clemson is strong, his older brother A.J. Terrell went to Clemson and became a first-round draft pick by the Atlanta Falcons. Clemson may be the favorite but Auburn is seen as the biggest challenger and has a legit shot to land him.

The 6-foot, 170-pound Terrell is ranked as the No. 284 overall player and No. 31 cornerback in the 247Sports composite ranking. It is unclear whether Auburn has extended a scholarship offer to Terrell but he did unofficially visit the Plains in March and would be a welcome addition to the 2023 recruiting class.

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Four-star DB Avieon Terrell names Michigan State football in top-5

MSU was listed in the top five for 4-star DB Avieon Terrell

Michigan State has had one of the strongest recruiting off-seasons in the history of the program. Mel Tucker has made it a priority to recruit at the highest level and is succeeding at that. The latest example of Michigan State’s hot pursuit on the trail is four-star defense back Avieon Terrell naming Michigan State within his top five.

Michigan State is featured along with Kentucky, Clemson, Texas A&M and Auburn.

Terrell is a member of Westlake High School in Atlanta, Goergia, and is ranked as a four-star prospect at No. 284 in the nation.

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Legacy recruit names Clemson among top schools

One of Clemson’s top cornerback targets in the 2023 recruiting class dropped his top five schools on Saturday afternoon via social media. Westlake (Ga.) four-star cornerback Avieon Terrell is down to Clemson, Michiagn State, Kentucky, Texas A&M and …

One of Clemson’s top cornerback targets in the 2023 recruiting class dropped his top five schools on Saturday afternoon via social media.

Westlake (Ga.) four-star cornerback Avieon Terrell is down to Clemson, Michiagn State, Kentucky, Texas A&M and Auburn.

Terrell was among the headlining visitors in attendance for Clemson’s Elite Junior Day in late January and spoke with The Clemson Insider shortly thereafter.

Mike Reed, a key member of Clemson coach Dabo Swinney’s staff, has served as Terrell’s primary recruiter from the get-go. Reed, who is now Clemson’s assistant head coach, in addition to duties as cornerbacks coach and special teams coordinator, had a message for Terrell when he was last on campus.

“He was just saying that it’s all love, even if I go somewhere else it’s all love,” Avieon said regarding Reed’s message to him. “But, Clemson’s definitely at the top one of my schools and he was just saying how he could use me in their defense.”

Terrell, of course, is the younger brother of former Clemson and current Atlanta Falcons cornerback, A.J. Terrell. So, Avieon is quite familiar with what the program has to offer and has been a priority prospect for Clemson in the 2023 recruiting class.

Clemson offered the younger Terrell brother back on April. 29, 2020, and he’s made countless trips to The Valley ever since.

Avieon (6-0, 170) ranks as the No. 17 cornerback and No. 108 overall prospect nationally in the 2023 recruiting class, per Rivals.

As far as his recruitment is concerned, Avieon told TCI that he doesn’t have a No. 1 school right now. He wants to take other visits and let the process play out. He isn’t pressed to make a decision anytime soon and feels like he’ll know when he’s ultimately ready.

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Auburn picks up crystal ball prediction for four-star cornerback

Could Auburn be in play for four-star cornerback Avieon Terrell?

The Auburn Tigers are needing to make a push over the next several months on the recruiting trail leading up to the start of the 2022 season. It will begin with the “Tiger Takeover“.

While winning recruiting battles in the state of Alabama is important, Bryan Harsin and the staff know they can make a living in the state of Georgia as well. Plenty of talented players have come from the Peach State. This includes current running back [autotag]Tank Bigsby[/autotag] and freshman quarterback [autotag]Holden Geriner[/autotag].

Another Georgia target recently picked up a crystal ball prediction to join the Auburn football program. Avieon Terrell of Westlake in Atlanta, Georgia.

Terrell picks up prediction to Auburn

Terrell is the younger brother of former Clemson Tiger and current Atlanta Falcon cornerback A.J. Terrell. That could lead him to choose his brother’s alma mater, but I wouldn’t place too much stock into where his brother went. Choosing Auburn could be a quicker path to starting early on in his collegiate career.

Terrell is currently ranked as a four-star cornerback according to 247Sports composite rankings. His offer list includes Clemson, Florida Gators, Georgia Bulldogs, LSU Tigers, Michigan State Spartans, Tennessee Vols, USC Trojans, and the Wisconsin Badgers.

The Auburn Tigers don’t appear to be on the list of teams that have offered Terrell according to 247Sports. Although he did spend time on the Plains in March for an unofficial visit.

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Four-star cornerback sets visit to Auburn

Auburn will have an important visitor during March.

Auburn will be getting a talented cornerback on campus next week. Four-star cornerback Avieon Terrell will be visiting The Plains on Monday, March 14, for an unofficial visit.

Terrell is coming off a strong performance at the Atlanta Under Armour Camp where he impressed with his improved coverage skills. He is the younger brother of former Clemson cornerback and current Atlanta Falcons star A.J. Terrell.

Terrell is being recruited by several top schools including the Florida Gators, Clemson Tigers, and the LSU Tigers. While he has an obvious connection to Clemson, Auburn getting him for a visit is important.

Rivals’ views Terrell as a top-110 prospect in the 2023 class and a top-20 cornerback while ESPN, 247 and On3 are a little lower on him.

 

Avieon Terrell’s Recruiting Profile

Rating

Stars Overall State Position
247 3 56 66
Rivals 4 109 17 10
ESPN 4 247 22 32
On3 Recruiting 4 33 33
247 Composite 4 242 25 26

Vitals

Hometown Atlanta, Georgia
Projected Position Cornerback
Height 6-0
Weight 170
Class 2023

Recruitment

  • Not yet offered a scholarship.
  • He is visiting Auburn on March 14. It is an unofficial visit.

Offers

  • Florida
  • Florida State
  • Georgia
  • LSU
  • Miami
  • Tennessee
  • Clemson
  • Michigan State

Crystal Ball

No Crystal Ball predictions.

Film

Twitter

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