Tag: clemson football recruiting

5-star loves how Clemson is setup

Clemson is always going to be recruiting some of the nation’s top prospects and the Tigers have been keeping tabs on one of the country’s best cornerbacks in the Class of 2023. A.. Harris, a class of 2023 recruit from Glenwood School in Phenix City, …

Clemson is always going to be recruiting some of the nation’s top prospects and the Tigers have been keeping tabs on one of the country’s best cornerbacks in the Class of 2023.

A.. Harris, a class of 2023 recruit from Glenwood School in Phenix City, Ala., is the nation’s No. 3 cornerback and No. 21 overall prospect in his respective class, per 247Sports Composite rankings.

Harris (6-2, 185) caught up with The Clemson Insider regarding his recruitment and just what he’s been hearing from the Tigers lately.

“Just how they can better me as a young man, as well as a football player,” Harris said. “Clemson being the best of both worlds as far as the genuine feel and the academics and the football. They’re just making sure that I get the bigger picture of that program.”

Harris released a top-13 list back on July 6, which featured the Tigers, along with Auburn, Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Texas A&M, Florida, Miami, LSU, Virginia Tech, Southern Cal and Utah.

He’ll see the schools that he hasn’t been able to visit before he makes his decision, he said.

“A genuine feel,” Harris said when asked what factors he’s looking for in a school at the next level,” and making sure that they give me the education that I need to have beyond the football years. You can never make a decision based off your position coaches, they can always leave. 

“Just making sure that the whole coaching staff is invested in me and will take care of me and I have a genuine feel from the whole coaching staff rather than my position coach.”

Harris has carved out relationships with Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables, defensive ends coach Lemanski Hall and cornerbacks coach Mike Reed.

“Just such a genuine feel from all of them,” Harris said when asked to characterize his relationships with Clemson’s coaching staff. “I like how we don’t always have to talk football. We can talk about just life, which is something that’s cool because you don’t always have to recruit me. I’m still human at the end of the day and I still live a regular life like everybody else. It’s just nice that I don’t always have to talk about football with those guys.”

Harris was able to see Clemson in person back on June 5. He was officially extended a scholarship offer during his unofficial visit, which he took with Roswell (Ga.) four-star cornerback Ethan Nation.

“I loved the way Clemson is set up,” Harris said. “It’s a very discreet location. There’s not too much going on all-around it. I’m a homebody, I don’t really like doing too much. That’s kind of right up my alley and it’s just making sure that you get your education and playing football at a high level. That’s just something that’s big for me. I’m not really a big city type of guy. I definitely like the setup of the whole campus.”

Harris enjoyed that he was able to take in the visit with Nation as the two had a fun time together, interacting with the coaches and things of that nature.

This is all new to Harris. It was different for him because the standout Alabama cornerback wasn’t being recruited before the pandemic. He was finally able to put voices to faces on the recruiting trail this summer.

“This was all so new to me and my parents,” he said. “But, it was a blessing from the man up above because there were so many kids that wanted to get out to college and see what college has to offer. I’m thankful that I don’t have to make my decision blind. It was definitely amazing.”

At the end of the day, Harris is a self-described competitor, who loves football.

“I’m a technician,” Harris added. “Someone who truly focuses on the technical aspect, especially with me being a taller DB. I have to be honed in on all the little things, making sure that I don’t take any extra steps in-and-out of my transitions. I’m definitely aggressive…I’ll compete with anybody, no matter the size, no matter anything.

“Whoever gets me will be getting someone that wants to be the best and wants to go win a National Championship and help his team do so.”

First and foremost, Harris is a team-first player. When asked about his goals for this upcoming season and beyond, Harris didn’t hesitate with his answer. 

“Win a state championship, that’s the only thing I want to do,” he said.

Harris believes that individual success comes with team success and everything else will fall into place from there.

Time to get the latest Clemson apparel to show your Tiger pride. Order your officially licensed Clemson gear right here!

Clemson ‘felt like home’ for one of nation’s top tight ends

One of the best tight end prospects in the country and a top-100 national prospect in the 2023 class checked out Clemson for the first time recently. Ashdown (Ark.) High School four-star Shamar Easter visited campus in mid-June with his high school …

One of the best tight end prospects in the country and a top-100 national prospect in the 2023 class checked out Clemson for the first time recently.

Ashdown (Ark.) High School four-star Shamar Easter visited campus in mid-June with his high school coach.

“I really liked it,” Easter told The Clemson Insider. “It felt like home.”

One thing that Easter saw while touring the campus and facilities stood out to him.

“The highlight was the backyard (to the Allen N. Reeves Football Complex),” he said.

While offensive coordinator/tight ends coach Tony Elliott and the majority of Clemson’s staff was on vacation when Easter was on campus, he got a tour from director of on-campus recruiting Ty Clements and has been in touch with Elliott over the phone.

The Tigers have yet to offer a tight end in the 2023 class, but they have let Easter know he is on their recruiting radar as they continue to evaluate him for a potential offer.

“They told me that they are looking at me,” Easter said, “and to keep them in contact.”

Auburn, Texas A&M, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Penn State and Michigan State have all offered Easter this year, while Kansas and Arizona State gave Easter his first offers last year.

Clemson would catapult to the top of Easter’s list if the program enters the mix with an offer moving forward.

“They would be first or second,” he said.

A 6-foot-6, 215-pound rising junior, Easter is ranked as the No. 60 overall prospect in the 2023 class regardless of position by Rivals, while he checks in as the nation’s No. 6 tight end for the 2023 class according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.

Time to get the latest Clemson apparel to show your Tiger pride. Order your officially licensed Clemson gear right here!

Clemson makes sizeable impression on big Tennessee OL

Clemson offensive line coach Robbie Caldwell has done his best to keep tabs on Class of 2023 offensive linemen, especially those that camped at Clemson this summer. One that’s been on Caldwell’s radar is Alcoa (Tenn.) 2023 IOL Lance Wiliams, who has …

Clemson offensive line coach Robbie Caldwell has done his best to keep tabs on Class of 2023 offensive linemen, especially those that camped at Clemson this summer.

One that’s been on Caldwell’s radar is Alcoa (Tenn.) 2023 IOL Lance Wiliams, who has been in contact with Clemson recently. In fact, he was on the phone with Caldwell just the other day.

Williams (6-4, 300) caught up with The Clemson Insider regarding his current recruitment and what he’s been hearing from Caldwell and the Tigers lately.

“I like him a lot,” Williams told TCI, regarding his relationship with Caldwell. “He’s a good coach and obviously Clemson doesn’t offer when you’re still young.”

Caldwell has told Williams to remain patient and that good things will potentially be ahead for the big Tennessee lineman. 

He’s been made aware of how the Tigers go about their business and is certainly appreciative of their willingness to build those relationships from the get-go.

“Yeah, I do,” Williams said when asked if he likes Clemson’s recruitment style, “because I also want to be able to build a relationship with them. If I don’t have a good relationship with the coaches or something like that, then that wouldn’t be a good school to go to. But, I do have a good relationship with Coach Caldwell. I like him a lot and my parents like him a lot too.”

Williams visited Clemson earlier this summer and had an opportunity to participate in Dabo Swinney Camp, in addition to receiving some feedback from Caldwell.

“It was definitely one of the nicest places I’ve ever been to, I’ll tell you that,” he said. 

According to Williams, Caldwell really liked what he brought to the table, especially during the camp sessions.

“He said for me still being young, I’m out there holding my own against them old guys that are already committed places and all that,” Williams said. “He’s said I’ve been doing pretty good.”

Williams describes himself as an aggressive, fast-moving player. Which is certainly unique for his size.

He worked out at both guard positions during his time at Clemson, but he starts at left guard for his high school team.

Williams can play every position on the offensive line, but his home at the next level will be as an interior lineman. 

What’s really helped Williams stay in shape and improve his technique is wrestling. Just about every offensive line coach he’s connected with revels in the fact that Williams is a Heavyweight Wrestling State Champion.

Clemson, Kentucky and West Virginia were among Williams’ favorite visits this summer. He also visited Virginia Tech, Tennessee, Georgia Tech, Alabama and Auburn.

Clemson has made a sizable impression on Williams thus far, as he’s still trying to just soak everything in.

“It’s definitely overwhelming, but I’m very excited to maybe have a chance to play there,” he said.

Time to get the latest Clemson apparel to show your Tiger pride. Order your officially licensed Clemson gear right here!

Aaron Rodgers honors Clemson QB commit with another award

Clemson quarterback commitment Cade Klubnik has collected another big honor. The four-star quarterback from Westlake High (Austin, Texas) has earned the USA TODAY Texas High School Sports Award for Offensive Football Player of the Year. Watch star …

Clemson quarterback commitment Cade Klubnik has collected another big honor.

The four-star quarterback from Westlake High (Austin, Texas) has earned the USA TODAY Texas High School Sports Award for Offensive Football Player of the Year.

Watch star NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers name Klubnik as the winner below:

As the video notes, Klubnik led Westlake to an undefeated state championship as a junior in 2020, passing for nearly 3,500 yards and 35 touchdowns with only three interceptions while rushing for 15 more scores. He passed for 220 yards and scored two rushing touchdowns in the state championship game while playing through a shoulder injury.

Klubnik was also recently named MVP of the Elite 11 Finals in Los Angeles.

The 6-foot-2, 185-pounder is ranked as high as the No. 4 pro-style quarterback and No. 28 overall prospect in the 2022 class by Rivals. He committed to the Tigers in March.

Clemson Variety & Frame is doing their part to help bring you some classic new barware and help one of the local businesses that helps make Clemson special.

Order your Nick’s barware and do your part to help.  #SaveNicks

Clemson QB commit makes big jump in updated ESPN rankings

ESPN recently updated its ESPN 300 rankings for the 2022 class, and Clemson’s quarterback commitment is one of the big risers in the new rankings. Austin (Texas) Westlake four-star quarterback Cade Klubnik was previously ranked as the No. 136 …

ESPN recently updated its ESPN 300 rankings for the 2022 class, and Clemson’s quarterback commitment is one of the big risers in the new rankings.

Austin (Texas) Westlake four-star quarterback Cade Klubnik was previously ranked as the No. 136 overall prospect in the 2022 class, but jumped up to No. 76 overall following his stellar performance at the Elite 11 Finals in Los Angeles earlier this month.

Klubnik was named Most Valuable Player of the Elite 11 Finals, beating out a bunch of the nation’s other top QB prospects in the 2022 class to take home the award.

As a junior last season, Klubnik led Westlake High School to its second straight 6A state championship, completing 68 percent of his passes for 3,495 yards and 35 touchdowns with just three interceptions while also rushing for 583 yards and 15 more scores on the ground.

The 2022 ESPN 300 also features several other Clemson commits, including Greenville (S.C.) four-star offensive lineman Collin Sadler (No. 113), Myrtle Beach (S.C.) four-star wide receiver Adam Randall (No. 117), Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy four-star defensive end Jihaad Campbell (No. 124), Chesapeake (Va.) Oscar Smith four-star safety Sherrod Covil (No. 172) and Strongsville (Ohio) four-star offensive lineman Blake Miller (No. 254).

Clemson Variety & Frame is doing their part to help bring you some classic new barware and help one of the local businesses that helps make Clemson special.

Order your Nick’s barware and do your part to help.  #SaveNicks

Clemson picks up commitment from local prospect

Clemson has picked up a commitment from a local prospect in the class of 2022. Daniel High School (Central, S.C.) linebacker Griffin Batt announced his commitment to the Tigers via social media Friday afternoon. Batt (6-2, 220) confirmed to The …

Clemson has picked up a commitment from a local prospect in the class of 2022.

Daniel High School (Central, S.C.) linebacker Griffin Batt announced his commitment to the Tigers via social media Friday afternoon.

Batt (6-2, 220) confirmed to The Clemson Insider that it is a preferred walk-on commitment. The Tigers gave him the PWO offer in February.

As a junior last season, Batt was credited with 49 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss and seven sacks in 10 games. He helped lead Daniel to a 10-0 record and the 2020 3A state championship.

Clemson Variety & Frame is doing their part to help bring you some classic new barware and help one of the local businesses that helps make Clemson special.

Order your Nick’s barware and do your part to help.  #SaveNicks

Five-star QB ‘likes Clemson a lot’

FORT MILL, S.C. – The Clemson Insider went down to a South Carolina high school to see one of the best quarterback prospects in the Class of 2024. TCI caught up with Catawba Ridge’s Jadyn Davis before he headed off to Nicholls State University …

FORT MILL, S.C. — The Clemson Insider went down to a South Carolina high school to see one of the best quarterback prospects in the Class of 2024.

TCI caught up with Catawba Ridge’s Jadyn Davis before he headed off to Nicholls State University (Thibodaux, La.) to camp at this year’s Manning Passing Academy. Davis recounted his summer, the visits he’s been able to take, his time at Clemson and what he’s been hearing on the recruitment front lately.

Davis was able to make his way back to Clemson this summer for Dabo Swinney Camp and got to see some familiar faces in the process.

“It was great,” he told TCI. “I have a close relationship with D.J Uiagalelei and Will Shipley, so it was great seeing my boys back again and meeting with Coach (Brandon) Streeter again.”

The last time Davis went to Swinney Camp was during his eighth grade year. Obviously, the pandemic prevented the in-state quarterback from making it down to Clemson last year, but he was happy to be back on the recruiting trail this summer.

“It was a great experience,” he said. “I loved seeing the campus, loved seeing the facilities and stuff like that. I like Clemson a lot.”

Where does his relationship with Uiagalelei stem from?

Davis actually met Clemson’s starting quarterback the last time he was on campus and the two gunslingers immediately hit it off. He then went out to the Steve Clarkson QB Retreat in California, where he even went out to eat with the Uiagalelei family, including Big Dave. 

Davis considers Uiagalelei as a “big brother.” 

Ironically enough, Clemson sees a lot of Uiagalelei in Davis.

“They say I compare a lot to how D.J. was coming in, our throwing motions, I guess, we are similar like that,” Davis said. 

As for Shipley, Davis knows Clemson’s freshman running back as the two train in the same spot. Davis’ high school recently just scrimmaged against Shipley’s alma mater back on Tuesday night.

So, what has Davis heard from each of Uiagalelei and Shipley about Clemson?

“They love it up there,” Davis said. “They tell me they love Coach Swinney. Everybody keeps it real up there. It’s real family camaraderie. And obviously throwing to guys like Justyn Ross, that helps too. It’s a good time.”

Davis is aware of how Clemson goes about its business when it comes to recruiting. They’ve consistently reminded him how they are with the process. The Tigers take it a bit slower, which Davis said he’s totally fine with.

He likes how Clemson is upfront and honest, while also not promising him anything.

“That shows that they care more about you as a person than they do about football at the end of the day,” Davis said. “They’re building that relationship. Going to college is a 40-year decision, not a four-year decision. It shows me that they care about me as a person, not just what I can do for them on the field.”

Davis’ main point of contact at Clemson has obviously been Streeter.

Clemson’s quarterbacks coach has kept it real with Davis. He’s also given him some insight into what he saw Trevor Lawrence go through between his recruitment process and his time at Clemson.

“It’s great,” Davis said of his relationship with Streeter. “Sometimes we won’t even talk about recruiting. He just wants to know how I’m doing, how my day’s going and stuff like that. He gives me advice on recruiting, what to look for, what not to look for.”

That being said, what is Davis looking for in a school at the next level?

Being just 15 years old, Davis obviously has some time before he’ll sit down and make that fateful decision, but he’s already outlined some of the more important factors he’s searching for.

“My end goal is to reach the NFL one day, so develop me to get to the NFL,” he said. “And just a guy who knows football and knows how to develop quarterbacks. The development piece is a big piece for me. And an institution where I can get a great education. My mom has always been no books, no ball, at the end of the day. So, a place like that and a place that I can call home.”

Beyond his Hudl highlights, Clemson fans haven’t been able to see much of Davis. Talking with TCI, he did his best to describe his style of play and how he carries himself on the field.

“I definitely like throwing the ball,” Davis said. “I work in the pocket. I have the ability to escape if I need to with my legs. Just deciphering the defense, taking what they give me and throwing the ball around getting it to my playmakers, so they can make plays for me.”

There’s not one particular quarterback that Davis models his game after. He likes to take bits and pieces from everyone’s game, combine it and make them his own.

However, he does like Deshaun Watson a lot. One of Davis’ trainers happens to be Quincy Avery, who also trains the former Clemson quarterback. Speaking of the Tigers’ quarterbacks, Davis also likes to watch Lawrence and Uiagalelei.

Additionally, Davis has trained with UNC quarterback Sam Howell, who went to Indian Trail High School in North Carolina, which isn’t too far from Davis’s stomping grounds. 

Davis is in no rush when it comes to his recruitment. At the end of the day, he’s just 15 years old. 

Right now, he’s laser-focused on putting last season’s Upper State Championship loss in the past and leading Catawba Ridge to a State Championship this season.

Still, Clemson is making a great impression on the young quarterback already.

“I like it a lot,” Davis said. “You look at the quarterback tradition there with Tajh Boyd starting it off, then Watson, then Trevor, and DJ, that’s a pretty heavy-hitting quarterback class right there. Coach Streeter’s proven that he knows how to develop quarterbacks for the next level. I like Clemson a lot.”

Time to get the latest Clemson apparel to show your Tiger pride. Order your officially licensed Clemson gear right here!

5-star, nation’s No. 1 ATH discusses latest with Clemson, recruitment

The country’s top-ranked athlete has been out of the country this summer, so he hasn’t traveled to check out any colleges since the NCAA recruiting dead period ended June 1. Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy five-star Samuel M’Pemba, who is originally …

The country’s top-ranked athlete has been out of the country this summer, so he hasn’t traveled to check out any colleges since the NCAA recruiting dead period ended June 1.

Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy five-star Samuel M’Pemba, who is originally from St. Louis, Mo., is spending time with family in Africa through the duration of the summer.

So, the blue-chip class of 2023 prospect is planning to hit the road throughout the upcoming college football season to see games at a slew of different schools after he gets back to the states.

Clemson is among the game-day visits that M’Pemba told The Clemson Insider he is looking to make this fall.

“Alabama, Florida, Clemson, Washington, Miami, Notre Dame, Georgia and Florida State,” M’Pemba listed. “Also USC and Arizona State.”

M’Pemba hasn’t communicated with Clemson’s staff while he’s been out of the country, though he intends to reach out to the Tigers when he returns to the U.S.

“I haven’t been able to talk to them all summer,” he said, “but when I get back, I’ll definitely hit them up.”

M’Pemba has heard a lot of good things about the Clemson Family and can’t wait to get a taste of the family culture when he gets on campus.

“Everyone talks about how it’s a big family atmosphere, so I definitely want to witness that,” he said. “As well as just see how they prepare and how things go during games.”

M’Pemba is ranked as the No. 1 ATH and the No. 12 overall prospect in the 2023 class regardless of position, according to the 247Sports Composite.

More than 30 programs have thrown their hats in the ring for M’Pemba, who touts offers from Alabama, Georgia, Texas A&M, Florida, Florida State, Miami, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Texas, Oregon and Southern Cal among many others.

M’Pemba said the schools he named that he wants to visit this season are mainly the ones standing out to him at this point in his recruiting process, though he should gain more clarity on his top schools come Sept. 1 when college coaches are allowed to begin actively reaching out to prospects in the junior class such as himself.

“When September 1 hits, I’ll be sure of what schools,” he said, “but for now this is what I think it will be.”

While M’Pemba doesn’t currently hold an offer from Clemson, that could very well change once he gets back in the states and the two parties are able to better establish a relationship.

The Tigers would be a strong contender for M’Pemba if they pull the trigger on an offer.

“Clemson will be high on my list for sure,” he said, “but I just want to visit first to make sure it is what everyone says.”

The 6-foot-4, 230-pound edge rusher and pass catcher has the potential to play defensive end or tight end at the next level, but defensive coordinator Brent Venables and the Tigers like him most on defense.

M’Pemba played his first two seasons at Ladue Horton Watkins High School in St. Louis before transferring to IMG Academy this year.

Time to get the latest Clemson apparel to show your Tiger pride. Order your officially licensed Clemson gear right here!

Elite OL building special bond with Caldwell

One offensive line prospect firmly on Clemson’s recruiting radar for the 2023 class is Sunshine State standout Payton Kirkland. Kirkland, one of the nation’s top tackles, is focused on winning a state championship as he prepares for his junior …

One offensive line prospect firmly on Clemson’s recruiting radar for the 2023 class is Sunshine State standout Payton Kirkland.

Kirkland, one of the nation’s top tackles, is focused on winning a state championship as he prepares for his junior season at Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando, Fla.

“Everything’s going good,” he said regarding offseason workouts with his squad. “The team’s coming together. We’re starting to realize who the leaders are on the team, and we’re just getting ready to try to take it all the way this year.”

Kirkland, a massive and talented 6-foot-8, 310-pound prospect, knows what his best attributes as an offensive lineman are and what he needs to improve upon heading into his upcoming campaign.

“I feel like my strengths at this time are really my knowledge of the game and my athletic ability,” he said. “And what I’m working on going into the season is just getting back into football shape, being stronger … because it’s hard to keep that same strength in the offseason.”

Kirkland visited Clemson with a group of prospects from the Orlando area on June 2, when the Dabo Swinney Camp got underway. He also made trips last month to Georgia, Georgia Tech, Miami, Florida State, UCF, FAU and FIU.

When Kirkland looks back on the Clemson visit, one thing stands out to him more than anything.

“What stuck out to me the most is the intensity that (offensive line) coach (Robbie) Caldwell coaches with,” he said.

Kirkland, the country’s No. 11 offensive tackle in the 2023 class per the 247Sports Composite rankings, has kept in contact with Caldwell since the visit and is building a unique, familial-like relationship with him.

“I talked to Coach Caldwell a couple times since then,” Kirkland said. “Coach Caldwell’s a great guy. He’s cool to talk to.”

“He’s kind of like a grandpa, I’m going to be honest,” Kirkland added, laughing.

Kirkland lists more than 40 offers from major programs such as Ohio State, Florida State, Florida, Miami, Georgia, Auburn, LSU, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Michigan and Penn State, to name some.

So far, Clemson has offered only one offensive lineman in the 2023 class – Mount Pleasant (S.C.) Oceanside Collegiate Academy four-star tackle Monroe Freeling.

Kirkland isn’t sure exactly where he stands with the Tigers as far as a potential offer but is staying patient and leaning on his faith as he waits for one to possibly come.

“I’m on God’s timing,” Kirkland said. “So, whenever God feels it’s great for me to have the offer, then I’ll be blessed to accept it.”

Kirkland said he will likely start to narrow down his list of college choices during the season.

The Tigers would sit well with Kirkland and be in a good spot in his recruitment if they pull the trigger on an offer moving forward.

“Oh, most definitely,” he said.

Kirkland is ranked as high as the No. 79 overall prospect in the 2023 class regardless of position by Rivals. He will hit the road again later this month to check out Ohio State and Michigan State.

Time to get the latest Clemson apparel to show your Tiger pride. Order your officially licensed Clemson gear right here!

Clemson remains in the hunt for some of country’s best pass-rushers

Even after losing out on the nation’s No. 1 edge rusher, Clemson remains in the hunt for some of the country’s best pass-rushing prospects. Last week, Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson five-star Jeremiah Alexander chose Alabama over Clemson. Alexander ranks …

Even after losing out on the nation’s No. 1 edge rusher, Clemson remains in the hunt for some of the country’s best pass-rushing prospects.

Last week, Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson five-star Jeremiah Alexander chose Alabama over Clemson. Alexander ranks as the No. 1 edge defender and No. 16 overall prospect in the nation, per the 247Sports Composite rankings.

Patience has been the name of the game for Clemson’s 2022 class.

It persisted when Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy four-star Jihaad Campbell verbally committed to Clemson back on June 27.

And it may just continue to pay dividends for the Tigers.

As Clemson looks to add to its 2022 class, here’s a couple of defensive end prospects that we are keeping tabs on.

One of Clemson’s top defensive end targets in the 2022 class is D.J. Wesolak, a four-star recruit from Boonville (Mo.) High School ranked as high as the No. 10 DE and No. 92 overall prospect in the country by ESPN. 

Wesolak (6-4, 240) attended the Tigers’ Elite Retreat event in June and also made visits to Missouri, Georgia, North Carolina, Florida and Southern Cal last month. 

The Tigers made a major impression on Wesolak during the Elite Retreat, and he told The Clemson Insider afterward that the visit moved him closer to a potential commitment to Clemson down the road.

“Absolutely,” he said. “Just being there, you see a lot of love and a lot of things other things schools don’t provide. When you come here, you don’t know what it actually is, but you feel a certain type of way when you get here. After leaving other schools or seeing other schools, they have the love, but they don’t show it the same way Clemson does.”

Wesolak may wait until January to announce his decision, but it’s possible he could make a decision sooner, perhaps on his birthday in September. He has yet to formally trim down the top 15 he released in April, but Southern Cal and Florida are a couple of the other schools squarely in the mix. 

Another target high on Clemson’s defensive end board for the 2022 class is Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman four-star Cyrus Moss. 

The 6-foot-6, 220-pound edge rusher with over two dozen offers dropped a top five in April comprised of Arizona State, Clemson, Florida, Notre Dame and Oregon. 

Look for Moss to take an official visit to Clemson this fall. He made visits to Alabama, Notre Dame and Oregon in June. 

Moss is expected to render a decision after he makes his official visits during the season. Oregon has been trending of late, but the Tigers could make a move if they get him on campus in the fall as expected. 

The consistency of Clemson’s program, both on the field and with the coaching staff, are a couple of main reasons why the Tigers made the final five for Moss and are one of the top contenders in his recruitment.

“Clemson, they’re super consistent,” he told TCI. “Most of their coaches have been there for eight, nine, 10 years. And of course, they’ve also been consistently productive to the NFL and consistently winning, consistently doing great things as they have been. They’re a little bit more proof-in-the-pudding type. So, it’s been great getting to know Coach (Lemanski) Hall, Coach (Brent) Venables, Coach (Dabo) Swinney, all the guys over there, Coach (Todd) Bates.”

Moss is ranked as high as the No. 3 edge defender and No. 26 overall prospect in the 2022 class by 247Sports, which considers him the No. 1 player in the state of Nevada.

Another noteworthy target is Philadelphia (Pa.) Imhotep Institute’s Enai White, who is the nation’s No. 1 edge rusher and No. 6 overall prospect in the 2022 class regardless of position by 247Sports.

White (6-6, 230) trimmed down his list of more than 40 offers to eight teams back on May 4, with the Tigers making the cut. Now, he’s looking to cut down his list to four teams and hinted on Twitter that he’s getting closer to nearing a decision.

White has expressed interest in Clemson and likes how Dabo Swinney runs his program. “They produce, they win, and you can tell they work hard,” he said to TCI. “A tight ship is run over there.”

Additionally, Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna Prep four-star Kenyatta Jackson Jr. is another viable target.

Jackson (6-5, 230) is ranked as high as the No. 5 edge defender and No. 76 overall prospect in the 2022 class by 247Sports.

He called Clemson his “dream school,” when he was offered by the Tigers back on June 1, 2020. Jackson also included Clemson in his top-12 list of schools nearly 22 days later.

With many of the nation’s top programs in pursuit of the aforementioned prospects, the Tigers certainly have their work cut out for them as they look to continue to bolster the 2022 class.

Time to get the latest Clemson apparel to show your Tiger pride. Order your officially licensed Clemson gear right here!