Tag: clemson football recruiting

Fast-rising local lineman explains what stood out to him at Clemson

Last Saturday, Clemson played host to a fast-rising in-state offensive line prospect. Greenville (S.C.) High’s Julius Tate – a 6-foot-4. 305-pound junior in the class of 2024 – was in attendance for Clemson’s 35-12 win over Furman on Saturday, Sept. …

Last Saturday, Clemson played host to a fast-rising in-state offensive line prospect.

Greenville (S.C.) High’s Julius Tate — a 6-foot-4. 305-pound junior in the class of 2024 — was in attendance for Clemson’s 35-12 win over Furman on Saturday, Sept. 10, at Memorial Stadium. Tate was joined by his mother and stepfather.

“A big thing that stood out to me was the energy from the fans in the crowd and especially the chants,” he recently told The Clemson Insider in a message. “When I visit Clemson, I always feel welcomed by the coaches with the vibes they give, and when I got to meet more coaches and hear about their backgrounds, I felt more comfortable with them.”

Tate had the chance to catch up with Clemson offensive line coach Thomas Austin this past Saturday. His first time being back on campus since he participated in the Dabo Swinney Camp earlier this summer.

“I talked with Coach Austin and he told me he was glad I could make it,” Tate recalled. “We had a fun conversation about Notre Dame versus Ohio State.”

As far as future game day visits are concerned, Tate has scheduled trips to Florida State and Mercer. He’s looking to visit more schools as the season progresses, but he hasn’t scheduled those just yet.

While Clemson may keep an eye on him during his junior campaign, Tate knows that he has to prove himself in the trenches to receive an offer from the in-state school.

“That’s what my goal is this season,” he told The Clemson Insider earlier this month, “to prove myself.”

Tate, who holds offers from Miami (OH) and South Carolina State, understands that proving himself during his junior campaign will be pivotal to him and his recruitment going forward.

Dear Old Clemson is excited to announce a limited edition football and poster signed by Clemson’s Avengers.

Now there is a new way you can support Clemson student-athletes. Purchase collectibles from Dear Old Clemson and the proceeds with go to support Clemson student-athletes. Visit Dear Old Clemson to find out how you can help!

Clemson offer ‘would be huge’ for standout Virginia tight end

In his words, the recruiting process has “absolutely been crazy” for this talented tight end prospect since the calendar turned to September. Benedictine High School (Richmond, Va.) standout Luca Puccinelli told The Clemson Insider that more than 35 …

In his words, the recruiting process has “absolutely been crazy” for this talented tight end prospect since the calendar turned to September.

Benedictine High School (Richmond, Va.) standout Luca Puccinelli told The Clemson Insider that more than 35 schools – including many in the ACC, SEC, Big Ten and Big 12 – reached out to him in less than 24 hours after the clock struck midnight on Sept. 1, when college coaches could begin directly contacting juniors in the class of 2024 like himself.

Puccinelli calls it “a blessing to have so many schools with interest,” and says he’s “open doors with all schools.”

“I’m interested in everyone that’s interested in me,” he added. “From Dartmouth to Penn State to JMU to South Carolina. I love the interest and I enjoy build relationships! Right now, we are very much in the introduction stages with everyone. Some schools I have developed strong relationships with already such as (Virginia) Tech, Maryland, Duke, USC, Michigan, Penn State, but I know this is a process.”

Puccinelli currently holds offers from South Carolina, Virginia Tech, Duke, Maryland, East Carolina, UConn, Old Dominion and Liberty.

Clemson has shown interest in the 6-foot-6, 235-pounder, and he was invited to participate in the Dabo Swinney Camp this summer by tight ends coach/passing game coordinator Kyle Richardson.

It marked the second straight year that Puccinelli has camped at Clemson, and despite not being at 100 percent, he feels he showed the Tigers what he has to offer as a tight end.

“I had a great camp when I was in town,” he said. “I had a pulled groin most of June but I still felt like I performed well this summer. I think they know what I can do for them.”

So far, only one uncommitted tight end in the 2024 class owns an offer from Clemson in Marian Central Catholic (Woodstock, Ill.) four-star Christian Bentancur.

But Puccinelli is high on Swinney’s program, and an offer from the Tigers would undoubtedly have a big impact on his recruitment if he were to receive one in the future.

“Clemson has a top-five program, and their school and facility are top notch,” he said. “I’d be very blessed and humbled to receive an offer from the Tigers. Certainly that would be huge for me and my family.”

Right now, Puccinelli is simply enjoying the recruiting process and planning to check out schools that have offered him, as he looks to find the place that can best set him up for success in college and beyond.

“Certainly as the year goes on I’ll be taking visits where I have offers,” he said, “and trying to finalize a list of schools I feel would be best for myself and family for the next 50 years.”

— Photo for this article courtesy of Irish Sports Daily.

Dear Old Clemson is excited to announce a limited edition football and poster signed by Clemson’s Avengers.

Now there is a new way you can support Clemson student-athletes. Purchase collectibles from Dear Old Clemson and the proceeds with go to support Clemson student-athletes. Visit Dear Old Clemson to find out how you can help!

The Insider Report: Priority DE target update, visitor reactions and future visitor preview

It’s time for this week’s edition of The Insider Report. We hope everyone had a great weekend. Tomarrion Parker update After speaking with multiple sources, we wanted to pass along the latest we’ve been hearing on Clemson’s pursuit of Phenix City …

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

We hope everyone had a great weekend.

Tomarrion Parker update

After speaking with multiple sources, we wanted to pass along the latest we’ve been hearing on Clemson’s pursuit of Phenix City (Ala.) Central four-star defensive end Tomarrion Parker. 

It’s no secret that the returns from the prized pass rusher’s unofficial visit for Clemson’s 35-12 win over Furman on Saturday, Sept. 10, have been great. Currently, we can tell you that the Tigers feel relatively solid in their standing with Parker and certainly have a chance at landing his commitment. 

At the same time, Parker still has official visits lined up to Tennessee and Florida, in addition to the official visit he’ll be taking to Clemson for the weekend of Oct. 22, which coincides with the Tigers’ matchup against Syracuse.

In any event, Parker has become Clemson’s prized target and is said to be the team that’s been pursuing him the hardest. The former Penn State commit has other visits to take before he renders a solution on his college decision and while we feel good about where Clemson stands, Parker is not anywhere close to a final decision.

Initial visitors for the Clemson-N.C. State game

Clemson’s Oct. 1 matchup against N.C. State is lining up to be a big recruiting weekend for the Tigers.

The Clemson Insider has been able to confirm a partial guest list for what is looking like the premier in-season recruiting event for Clemson’s class of 2024 targets.

Here are some of those names:

Burlington (N.C.) Hugh M. Cummings four-star wide receiver Jonathan Paylor, Greensboro (N.C.) Grimsley High four-star wide receiver Alex Taylor, Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas four-star wide receiver James Madison II, Cass (Cartersville, Ga.) three-star wide receiver Sacovie White, Savannah (Ga.) Calvary Day School four-star quarterback Jake Merklinger and Hough (Cornelius, N.C.) kicker Nolan Hauser.

As for some unconfirmed juniors, Tampa (Fla.) Carrollwood Day four-star defensive back Tavoy Feagin told The Clemson Insider that he will “most likely” be in attendance for the N.C. State game, while fast-rising quarterback Mason Fortune out of Millbrook (Raleigh, N.C) told us that he’s trying to work out a visit and it’s possible it could be for the State game.

Other names that will likely be in attendance are Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Cardinal Gibbons 2023 WR Patrick Stepelton, Central (S.C.) D W Daniel 2023 WR Jaylen Brown-Wallace, Buford (Ga.) 2025 four-star linebacker Jadon Perlotte and Cass (Cartersville, Ga.) 2026 QB Brodie McWhorter.

There will certainly be more names that come to light and we will provide the necessary updates at a later time.

Big-time Peach State lineman high on Clemson after latest visit

It’s no secret that Parkview (Lilburn, Ga.) offensive lineman Cortez Smith likes Clemson. The 6-foot-4, 275-pound sophomore in the class of 2025 was on campus for Clemson’s 48-20 win over Louisiana Tech on Saturday night, along with two of his teammates — one of them being a five-star athlete in Mike Matthews.

“It was amazing,” Smith told The Clemson Insider regarding his experience. “Especially the part where we got to see them run down the hill. It was so energetic. It was loud. It was a great game too. Clemson’s a great place.”

Did anything stand out about Clemson’s game-day environment?

“It’s got to be when they ran down the hill,” Smith explained “That’s the best part of the game right there. You could feel the energy (from the top of the hill). The whole crowd was cheering for them.”

Smith had the chance to speak with Clemson offensive line coach Thomas Austin before the game, as well as co-defensive coordinator/safeties coach Mickey Conn.

Every time Smith sees Austin, their relationship seemingly gets better. He’s quickly become a primary target for Clemson in the class of 2025, even if he’ll have to likely wait until next June for that offer to come. With that said, Smith plans to pay Clemson plenty of more visits in the future.

Peach State receiver has ‘unbelievable’ visit to Clemson

A junior Peach State wide receiver on Clemson’s recruiting radar returned to campus this past weekend.

Johns Creek (Ga.) High School’s Kyle Vaka – whose sister actually goes to Clemson – was back in Tiger Town for Saturday’s game against Louisiana Tech.

TCI caught up with Vaka, who said the visit to Clemson and the night atmosphere at Death Valley “was unbelievable.”

“The crowd was incredible,” he said. “The lights, the scoreboard, the entrance – everything was electric and a really incredible and a great experience.”

Vaka had the chance to spend time with offensive player development coach Tajh Boyd, and Vaka and his father were able to eat dinner with receivers coach Tyler Grisham.

Vaka told TCI he “definitely” feels his relationship with Grisham grew stronger Saturday while talking about things beyond football.

“We just had some great conversations about not only football but what’s important in life – relationships, God, values and just building your life around that,” he said. “So, Coach Grisham’s a really good coach. He’s a really good dude as well, and you can see that through the conversations he has with the recruits, with the players – not even just talking about football but about life and what’s important in life.”

Vaka has traveled to Clemson a bunch of times. He made his way to campus for a couple of games last season, went to the spring game in April and camped at Clemson this summer for the second year in a row, not to mention a couple of other trips he has made to visit his sister.

Vaka intends to camp at Clemson again next summer. The 6-foot, 170-pounder also plans to get back on campus again this year and in the spring as well.

Prior to Saturday’s Clemson visit, Vaka went to Vanderbilt a week earlier for its game vs. Wake Forest. While he had a great experience at Vandy, he admitted “it’s hard to compare to Clemson.”

Vaka has 13 catches for 275 yards and two touchdowns through four games this season.

Promising QB prospect returns to Tiger Town

Clemson played host Saturday to a promising young quarterback prospect – a local product who now plays in the Peach State.

Gavin Owens, a 6-foot-4, 205-pound sophomore in the class of 2025, made his way to Death Valley for the Louisiana Tech game.

Owens, who has been participating in the Dabo Swinney Camp since he was about 10 years old, has traveled to Tiger Town numerous times and once again enjoyed his latest trip to campus.

On Saturday, he was able to catch up with offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Brandon Streeter, as well as Boyd.

“You always know, I always go back there and I love it,” Owens told TCI after Saturday’s visit. “Every time I go, it’s always a good experience.”

Owens played his freshman season at Wren High School (Piedmont, S.C.) but has since transferred to Rabun Gap-Nacoochee (Rabun Gap, Ga.). In leading his team to a 4-1 record through five games this season, he has completed 66 percent of his passes for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns with no interceptions, according to MaxPreps.

As for what he heard from Streeter and Boyd on Saturday, Owens said, “They just asked how my season was going, and I said I’d let them know how I was doing, and they just told me to keep up the good work.”

Owens cited being around the coaches, taking in the environment again, going into the locker room after the game, and seeing how the players and coaches interact with each other as the best parts of his visit.

Owens owns a half-dozen offers already, including an SEC offer from Kentucky and ACC offers from Louisville and Virginia Tech.

As a freshman last season, Owens passed for 2,262 yards and 19 touchdowns while also rushing for 125 yards and four more scores on the ground.

Dear Old Clemson is excited to announce a limited edition football and poster signed by Clemson’s Avengers.

Now there is a new way you can support Clemson student-athletes. Purchase collectibles from Dear Old Clemson and the proceeds with go to support Clemson student-athletes. Visit Dear Old Clemson to find out how you can help!

Friday Night Lights: How did future Tigers fare in Week 5?

It’s time for this week’s edition of Friday Night Lights. The Clemson Insider tracked the weekly individual performances of Clemson’s 20 verbal commitments from the 2023 class. Here are the results from Week 5: Markus Dixon Dixon – a 6-foot-5, …

It’s time for this week’s edition of Friday Night Lights.

The Clemson Insider tracked the weekly individual performances of Clemson’s 20 verbal commitments from the 2023 class. Here are the results from Week 5:

Markus Dixon

Dixon — a 6-foot-5, 230-pound three-star tight end out of Warminster (Pa.) Archbishop Wood — recorded two catches for 110 yards and a touchdown in his team’s 14-6 win over Northeast (Philadelphia, Pa.).

Noble Johnson

Johnson — a 6-foot-3, 205-pound four-star wide receiver out of Rockwall (Texas) — recorded six catches for 141 yards and two touchdowns in his team’s 38-31 win over South Grand Prairie (Texas) High School on Thursday.

Ian Reed

The four-star offensive lineman out of Vandegrift (Austin, TX.) helped his team to a 41-13 victory over Round Rock (Texas) Stony Point in a home district game Friday night.

Harris Sewell

The four-star offensive lineman out of Permian (Odessa, TX.) helped his team to a 28-27 win over Haker Heights (Texas) in a home non-conference game Friday night.

AJ Hoffler

Hoffler — a 6-foot-5, 240-pound four-star defensive end out of College Park (Ga.) Woodward Academy — recorded 1.5 sacks in his team’s 52-0 win over Morrow (Georgia) on Friday.

David Ojiegbe

Ojiegbe — a 6-foot-4 245-pound four-star defensive end out of Washington (D.C.) St John’s College High School — recorded six tackles (four for loss) in his team’s 49-3 win over Tottenville (Staten Island, NY) on Saturday.

Vic Burley

The four-star defensive lineman out of Warner Robins (Georgia) and his team fell in a 14-7 loss to Dutchtown (Hampton, Ga.) in a home conference game Friday night.

Jamal Anderson

The Clemson Insider was in attendance for Hoschton (Ga.) Mill Creek’s 52-36 win over Ellenwood (Ga.) Cedar Grove on Friday. Anderson — a 6-foot-4, 205-pound four-star linebacker — recorded 4.5 tackles, two quarterback pressures and a quarterback hit in the win.

Dee Crayton

Crayton — a 6-foot-2, 216-pound four-star linebacker out of Denmark (Alpharetta, Ga.) — totaled four carries for 26 yards and two touchdowns in his team’s 17-14 win over Pebblebrook (Mableton, Ga.) on Friday.

Defensive statistics are pending.

Avieon Terrell

The four-star cornerback out of Westlake (Atlanta, Ga.) helped his team to a 42-14 win over Newton (Covington, Ga.) in a home nonconference game Friday night.

Branden Strozier

The four-star cornerback out of Alpharetta (Ga.) St. Francis and his team fell in a 31-7 loss to Hartwell (Ga.) Hart County in an away nonconference game Friday night.

Shelton Lewis

The three-star cornerback out of Stockbridge (Georgia) helped his team to a 49-2 victory over Hampton (Georgia) in a home conference game Friday night.

Rob Billings

Billings — a 6-foot-2, 190-pound safety out of Milton (Alpharetta, Ga.) recorded eight tackles and three assists in his team’s 36-21 win over Alpharetta (Georgia) Friday. Billings also should have added an interception, but it was reversed on a questionable call.

Additional notes: Birmingham (Ala.) Briarwood Christian School five-star quarterback Christopher Vizzina, First Baptist Academy (Naples, Fla.) four-star tight end Olsen Patt Henry and Rome (Georgia) four-star defensive lineman Stephiylan Green all had bye weeks.

Thompson (Alabaster, Ala.) five-star defensive lineman Peter Woods, McDonough (Ga.) Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy four-star offensive lineman Zechariah Owens and Sumner (Riverview, Fla.) four-star athlete Kylen Webb were all sidelined Friday due to injuries.

Cambridge (MA.) Buckingham Browne & Nichols four-star wide receiver Ronan Hanafin’s senior season doesn’t get underway until this Saturday, Sept. 24.

Dear Old Clemson is excited to announce limited edition signed cards from the freshmen football players are now in our online store. There are only 100 of each signed.

Now there is a new way you can support Clemson student-athletes. Purchase collectibles from Dear Old Clemson and the proceeds with go to support Clemson student-athletes. Visit Dear Old Clemson to find out how you can help!

Bart Boatwright’s Recruit Photo Gallery: Clemson-Louisiana Tech Game

A bunch of top prospects traveled to Death Valley for Saturday night’s game vs. Louisiana Tech. Check out Bart Boatwright’s recruit photo gallery from the Clemson-Louisiana Tech game: LINK. Dear Old Clemson is excited to announce a limited edition …

A bunch of top prospects traveled to Death Valley for Saturday night’s game vs. Louisiana Tech.

Check out Bart Boatwright’s recruit photo gallery from the Clemson-Louisiana Tech game: LINK.

Dear Old Clemson is excited to announce a limited edition football and poster signed by Clemson’s Avengers.

Now there is a new way you can support Clemson student-athletes. Purchase collectibles from Dear Old Clemson and the proceeds with go to support Clemson student-athletes. Visit Dear Old Clemson to find out how you can help!

Recruits react to Clemson’s big win over Louisiana Tech

After Clemson’s 48-20 victory over Louisiana Tech at Memorial Stadium on Saturday night, The Clemson Insider reached out to various Tiger commits and other prospects to get their reactions to the team’s latest win. Here’s what some recruits had to …

After Clemson’s 48-20 victory over Louisiana Tech at Memorial Stadium on Saturday night, The Clemson Insider reached out to various Tiger commits and other prospects to get their reactions to the team’s latest win.

Here’s what some recruits had to say:

KingJoseph Edwards, 2024 four-star defensive end/tight end, Buford (Georgia): “Very nice. I wasn’t surprised. Since their first game, they’ve been aggressive defense-wise and moving the ball well on offense. Very well done.”

Ben Roebuck, 2024 four-star offensive lineman, St. Edward (Lakewood, OH.): “I absolutely loved the atmosphere. The stadium was packed and it was such a great experience.”

David Eziomume, 2024 four-star running back, North Cobb (Kennesaw, Ga.): “Amazing, well-played game. Joe Ngata really started it off with that great catch.”

Drew Woodaz, 2024 three-star linebacker, Jesuit (Tampa, Fla.): “It was great getting to see my brother (freshman linebacker Wade Woodaz) play and a whole bunch of young kids step up and help them get a win.”

Ian Flynt, 2024 three-star tight end, Taylor (Katy, TX.): “It was a pretty good game. La. Tech was pretty competitive most of the game, but no one can handle Clemson’s offense. D.J. (Uiagalelei) really knows how to sling it!”

Blake Frazier, 2024 offensive lineman, Vandegrift (Austin, TX.): “I thought it was an awesome win. They played a great game, slower scoring to start, but once they got the offense rolling, they couldn’t be stopped. I think it was amazing how everyone showed up in grey to support the Bresee family. Really cool for sure.”

Mason Fortune, 2024 quarterback, Millbrook (Raleigh, N.C.): “Was a great win. Picked it up in the second half. La. Tech is a solid team. Hope to get down and see a game live in the next few weeks.”

Israel Boyce, 2024 defensive back, College Park (Ga.) Douglas County: “They dominated them on all levels, special teams, defense and offense! The defense held them and the offense put up points.”

Steven O’Dell, 2024 offensive lineman, Broome (Spartanburg, S.C.): “I loved it up there. The atmosphere was amazing. The new lights were awesome and the new video board was great. Before the game, I got to see some new stuff they built onto the football facility. They have anything you could want as a player. I go to speak to Coach (Thomas) Austin again. We got to talk about how my season has been going and how theirs has been going. The food was good pregame. It was a great experience all around. The o-line did a good job last night. They didn’t allow any sacks and had a good game overall. The defense played great, only giving up like 20 rushing yards. It was a good team win.”

John Simmons, 2025 wide receiver, Myrtle Beach (S.C.): “I enjoyed every single second of (Saturday night). That was the best atmosphere of football I have ever been in. I loved it here. Go Tigers!”

Dear Old Clemson is excited to announce a limited edition football and poster signed by Clemson’s Avengers.

Now there is a new way you can support Clemson student-athletes. Purchase collectibles from Dear Old Clemson and the proceeds with go to support Clemson student-athletes. Visit Dear Old Clemson to find out how you can help!

Clemson in top group for one of nation’s top-ranked QBs

One of the nation’s top-ranked quarterbacks dropped his final 10 schools on Sunday afternoon via social media. Clemson’s top quarterback target in the class of 2024 – Willis (Texas) five-star D.J. Lagway – is down to Clemson, Arkansas, LSU, Texas …

One of the nation’s top-ranked quarterbacks dropped his final 10 schools on Sunday afternoon via social media.

Clemson’s top quarterback target in the class of 2024 — Willis (Texas) five-star D.J. Lagway — is down to Clemson, Arkansas, LSU, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Florida, Georgia, Southern Cal, Alabama and Baylor.

Lagway (6-2, 225 is ranked as the No. 5 quarterback in the country and the No. 30 overall prospect in the 2024 class, per the 247Sports Composite rankings.

Lagway announced an offer from Clemson on May 31 after a conversation with coach Dabo Swinney. He found himself back on campus that next week and is aiming to return for a game day visit to Memorial Stadium this fall, which would enable him to further build his relationship with Swinney and Brandon Streeter.

“I have a real good relationship with those two coaches,” Lagway told The Clemson Insider back in July. “I talk to Coach Streeter a lot, at least once a week. I try to get on the phone every couple of weeks with Coach Swinney. I talk to them a good amount. I have good conversations with them. We have a good relationship and I’m excited to keep building on it.”

While Lagway is Clemson’s top target, the conversations have shifted away from football and have focused more on life, family and the human aspect of things.

“That’s a huge factor,” Lagway said. “Outside of football, you’ll be around these people for like three-to-four years at a time, so you got to be able to be comfortable on and off the field with them.”

Is there anything about Clemson and its recruiting philosophy that’s stood out to Lagway?

“Really just the family atmosphere is different than all the other schools,” he explained. “That kind of vibe — the Christian-based atmosphere — that makes Clemson stand out from the rest.”

Dear Old Clemson is excited to announce a limited edition football and poster signed by Clemson’s Avengers.

Now there is a new way you can support Clemson student-athletes. Purchase collectibles from Dear Old Clemson and the proceeds with go to support Clemson student-athletes. Visit Dear Old Clemson to find out how you can help!

Peach State RB reports Clemson offer after visit

A standout running back in the 2023 class reported an offer from Clemson on Sunday following his visit to campus for Saturday’s game against Louisiana Tech. South Paulding (Douglasville, Ga.) three-star Jamarion Wilcox announced the offer on …

A standout running back in the 2023 class reported an offer from Clemson on Sunday following his visit to campus for Saturday’s game against Louisiana Tech.

South Paulding (Douglasville, Ga.) three-star Jamarion Wilcox announced the offer on Twitter.

Wilcox (5-10, 195) lists over two dozen total offers, including offers from schools such as Indiana, Kansas State, Kentucky, Louisville, Mississippi State, Purdue, Vanderbilt and Wake Forest.

Dear Old Clemson is excited to announce a limited edition football and poster signed by Clemson’s Avengers.

Now there is a new way you can support Clemson student-athletes. Purchase collectibles from Dear Old Clemson and the proceeds with go to support Clemson student-athletes. Visit Dear Old Clemson to find out how you can help!

4-star LB Anderson loving life as a Clemson commit, will be in The Valley tonight

The Clemson Insider was on hand to see a four-star linebacker commit play on the second stop of this year’s Tour of Champions. Hoschton (Ga.) Mill Creek’s Jamal Anderson recorded 4.5 tackles, two quarterback pressures and a quarterback hit in his …

The Clemson Insider was on hand to see a four-star linebacker commit play on the second stop of this year’s Tour of Champions. Hoschton (Ga.) Mill Creek’s Jamal Anderson recorded 4.5 tackles, two quarterback pressures and a quarterback hit in his team’s 52-36 win over Cedar Grove (Ellenwood, Ga.) as the Hawks improved to 4-0 on the season.

TCI had a chance to catch up with Anderson following his team’s 16-point win Friday night.

“It was a great win — definitely a great team win,” Anderson said postgame. “I know going into this game, we knew Cedar Grove would be really fast and physical and that we had to match their style of play and outdo them on it. I think we just came to play, out-physicaled them and wanted it more. We got the win. It was a great team win.”

Anderson, who was a significant factor in Friday’s contest, provided standout coverage against a talented Cedar Grove team. The Saints operated their offense knowing where Anderson was on the field at all times. While it might not have shown up in the box score, he made his presence known all night.

“It’s been great. It’s been really fun,” Anderson said when asked about the start of his senior season. “It’s good being a leader out there, making sure my teammates know we’re gonna always have a leader on their side. It’s been great.”

Prior to Anderson’s senior campaign, he verbally pledged to Dabo Swinney’s program. It’s fair to say that the standout Peach State linebacker is loving life as a Clemson commit.

“It’s been great,” he said. “It’s just a blessing from God to be able to go to Clemson. It’s been my dream school for a while now, so I’m very thankful.”

A lot of that has to do with the job that Wesley Goodwin did in recruiting him.

“I like him a lot, to be honest,” Anderson said of Clemson’s defensive coordinator/linebackers coach. “Obviously, I talked to Coach (Brent) Venables when he was there. When he left, from the day (Coach Goodwin) transitioned in, I started a relationship with him. He texted me as soon as he got the job. I appreciated that a lot. Then he took a shot offering me — I appreciate him for that. And then along with that, I text him every day, we talk a lot and keep in communication. I’m just very thankful for him.”

“He definitely made it feel like that was the school to be at,” Anderson added.

So, what was it that ultimately sold Anderson on Clemson?

“It was definitely the family environment and just the idea that people have your back behind just football, but also as a person,” he said. “They’re always gonna be there for you.”

Anderson will be back in The Valley for Clemson’s first night game of the season versus Louisiana Tech on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. He’s estimated that he’s been to at least four or five Clemson game days in the past, but Saturday’s contest will offer a different experience, with the new amenities that the Tigers have added to their home field in the past year.

Anderson will “for sure” be going to plenty of home games in Death Valley this season.

Before he officially heads off to Clemson in January as a mid-year enrollee, Anderson is hoping to soak up his last moments as a high schooler.

“I definitely just want to leave a legacy of being a good person and a good player on the field,” Anderson said. “And just to make sure that kids below me will hopefully grow up to be like me, make big plays and go to Clemson.”

Dear Old Clemson is excited to announce a limited edition football and poster signed by Clemson’s Avengers.

Now there is a new way you can support Clemson student-athletes. Purchase collectibles from Dear Old Clemson and the proceeds with go to support Clemson student-athletes. Visit Dear Old Clemson to find out how you can help!

Tour of Champions: Clemson’s 4-star LB commit shines in big win

HOSCHTON, Ga. – One of Clemson’s four-star linebacker commits shined in a big-time win Friday night. Mill Creek’s Jamal Anderson accounted for 4.5 tackles, two quarterback pressures and a QB hit, along with some staunch coverage in his team’s 52-36 …

HOSCHTON, Ga. — One of Clemson’s four-star linebacker commits shined in a big-time win Friday night.

Mill Creek’s Jamal Anderson accounted for 4.5 tackles, two quarterback pressures and a QB hit, along with some staunch coverage in his team’s 52-36 win over Ellenwood (Ga.) Cedar Grove.

Both teams entered Friday night’s contest undefeated and yet the game was never close.

After scoring a touchdown and converting on a two-point conversion in the second quarter, Cedar Grove was down by one score (21-14). The ensuing kickoff was returned by Mill Creek for a 94-yard touchdown and effectively took away any momentum that the Saints had built to get the game within one possession.

Mill Creek went into halftime leading 38-21, thanks in part to the defensive performance of Anderson. The Hawks never squandered their lead.

The Clemson Insider was on hand to see Anderson play on the second stop of this year’s Tour of Champions. You can check out clips from his impressive performance below:

Dear Old Clemson is excited to announce a limited edition football and poster signed by Clemson’s Avengers.

Now there is a new way you can support Clemson student-athletes. Purchase collectibles from Dear Old Clemson and the proceeds with go to support Clemson student-athletes. Visit Dear Old Clemson to find out how you can help!