Tag: Jahiem Lawson

The Newcomer Files: Jahiem Lawson

Clemson signed 21 players as part of its 2022 recruiting class, some of whom still have yet to make it to campus. Nine signees went through spring practice as early enrollees while the rest, including transfer Hunter Johnson, will arrive on campus …

Clemson signed 21 players as part of its 2022 recruiting class, some of whom still have yet to make it to campus.

Nine signees went through spring practice as early enrollees while the rest, including transfer Hunter Johnson, will arrive on campus this summer. The Clemson Insider is taking a closer look at each newcomer and the likelihood of him contributing immediately this fall based on development and positional need.

TCI previously highlighted Keith Adams Jr., T.J. Dudley, Sherrod Covil Jr., Robert Gunn III, Kylon Griffin, Cade Klubnik and Johnson. Next up is Jahiem Lawson.

Position: Defensive line

Height: 6-foot-3

Weight: 215 pounds

Ranking: 3 stars (247Sports Composite)

Previous school: D.W. Daniel High

Early enrollee? No

The skinny: Lawson will continue the family legacy at Clemson that began with his brother, former Tiger All-American and Buffalo Bills 2016 first-round draft pick Shaq Lawson. A lean yet twitchy defensive end prospect, the younger Lawson finished his high school career with 153 tackles (40 for loss), 25 sacks and six forced fumbles. He was credited with 75 tackles and 11 sacks as a senior before choosing to stay close to home over offers from Syracuse, Georgia Tech and East Carolina among others.

The lone defensive end signee in the class, Lawson projects more as a developmental player who will need some time to refine his game and fill out his frame. Add the fact he’s joining one of the more crowded positions on the roster – Clemson is returning its entire two-deep and every end along the defensive line – and playing time figures to be scarce for any newcomer up front this fall. Special teams might be an option in Year 1, but Lawson is a prime candidate to redshirt as a true freshman.

‘I’m just really proud of him’: Lawson answered challenge from Swinney

Dabo Swinney is very familiar with Clemson’s new defensive end signee. The Tigers’ head coach has seen Jahiem Lawson mature and develop before his own eyes, and on Wednesday, the local edge rusher from nearby Daniel High School inked with Swinney’s …

Dabo Swinney is very familiar with Clemson’s new defensive end signee.

The Tigers’ head coach has seen Jahiem Lawson mature and develop before his own eyes, and on Wednesday, the local edge rusher from nearby Daniel High School inked with Swinney’s program during National Signing Day.

Lawson grew up with Swinney’s youngest son, Clay – who also joined Clemson’s program on Wednesday as a preferred walk-on wide receiver – and Lawson has hung out at Swinney’s house on plenty of occasions. Lawson and Clay have played sports together pretty much their entire lives, since they were little kids.

“I’ve watched Jahiem from his whole life,” Swinney said Wednesday in his National Signing Day press conference. “Jahiem has spent many a nights at my house. He and Clay have played ball together their entire life in about everything. So, I’ve known him well, and I’m really, really proud of him.”

Of course, Lawson is the younger brother of former Clemson defensive end Shaq Lawson, a 2015 consensus All-American who played 41 career games for the Tigers from 2013-15 before being a first-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Swinney sees Jahiem as a more polished player than Shaq was when he left Daniel High to enroll at Clemson.

“He’s much more refined than Shaq was coming out, obviously just simply because he’s had an example for a long time,” Swinney said. “He’ll be a true edge guy. So, he’s got a chance to be a good player if he’ll continue to put the work in.”

A 2021 SCFCA all-state selection and Shrine Bowl selection, Jahiem helped Daniel to back-to-back SCHSL Class 3A titles in 2020 and 2021 and posted a 46-3 record in his varsity career. He finished his prep career with 153 tackles (40 for loss), 25 sacks, six forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, two pass breakups, two blocked kicks, an interception and two touchdowns.

“Jahiem Lawson, man, what great quickness,” Clemson defensive ends coach Lemanski Hall said, via Jahiem’s official Clemson bio. “Natural pass-rush ability. Does a really good job with natural bend and getting to that quarterback. What I love most about Jahiem is he shows some physicality, his effort to the football, and then he also has great reaction to the football.”

As a senior this past season, Jahiem was credited with 75 tackles (25 for loss), 11 sacks, four forced fumbles, two blocked kicks, two pass breakups, an interception, a fumble recovery and two touchdowns. He was a first-team all-region honoree who was named region co-defensive MVP in 2021.

After dominating during the regular season, dominating in the playoffs and dominating in the state championship game, Jahiem proceeded to dominate in the North-South All-Star Game and earned Defensive MVP honors for his performance.

Swinney says Jahiem needs a year in the weight room to get bigger and stronger, but he loves his explosiveness and quick-twitch ability off the edge.

“He was a dominant player this year,” Swinney said. “He dominated every game, and I saw every game but one. He dominated. He dominated in the playoffs, then goes and dominates the all-star game. He’s a really, really good prospect. Same thing, though – he’s got to get his butt in the weight room. He’s twitchy. He’s got some violent hands. He’s a great effort guy. He’s instinctive.”

Jahiem, who also played basketball at Daniel, committed to Clemson on Jan. 28 before signing Wednesday and will enroll this summer.

Swinney is really proud of Jahiem and his development, and that development is a big reason why he decided to offer Jahiem back on Dec. 20.

“I challenged him last year, because I just felt like he was good enough,” Swinney said. “But I told him he’s going to have to earn it, and there was some things that I wanted to see in him – and man, he did it. I’m just really proud of him.”

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TCI’s National Signing Day preview: Breaking down commits, targets

The countdown to National Signing Day continues. With Wednesday’s NSD fast approaching, The Clemson Insider wanted to provide a primer to get you ready for the big day as it relates to the Tigers. In the following preview, we break down the …

The countdown to National Signing Day continues. With Wednesday’s NSD fast approaching, The Clemson Insider wanted to provide a primer to get you ready for the big day as it relates to the Tigers.

In the following preview, we break down the commitments that Clemson is set to sign on Wednesday, the targets that the Tigers are in the mix for, and more:

Cole Turner

Vestavia Hills (Ala.) High School wide receiver Cole Turner announced his commitment to the Tigers after his official visit on Sunday, Jan. 16.

Cole, of course, is the younger brother of longtime Clemson safety Nolan Turner. Like his brother before for him, Cole was severely under-recruited coming out of high school.

The Clemson Insider spoke with Vestavia Hills head coach Sean Calhoun, prior to Cole’s offer from Clemson.

“He’s one of those stereotypical guys, who didn’t have much junior film and has a lot of senior film,” Calhoun said. “And, it’s really good and it’s vs. really, really good opponents. He’s a good player.

“Again, he’s just not on recruiting boards because if his senior film was his junior film, he’d be a three/four-star. But, he’s not and I think that the people that do see it and do get on him at this time, whoever gets him is definitely gonna get an absolute diamond in the rough. There’s no doubt about it.”

Myles Oliver

Oliver (6-0, 170) officially verbally pledged to the Tigers on Sunday, Jan. 16. The Douglas County (Douglasville, Ga.) 2022 defensive back, like Turner before him, committed to Clemson after his official visit.

When asked by The Clemson Insider why he pulled the trigger on his commitment to Clemson, Oliver pointed to the coaching staff and the “great campus.”

Across his senior campaign, Oliver recorded five interceptions, 75 total tackles (55 solos), four touchdowns, 101 interception yards and 552 all-purpose yards. He received Douglas County Player of the Year honors for his contributions on the field this season.

Oliver’s head coach at Douglas County, Johnny T. White, talked to TCI in December and spoke about why he believed Clemson would ultimately be a good fit for the under-the-radar defensive back.

“Clemson would be a great place because it’s close to home for him,” White said. “Family’s big to him, so that’s not far. But, at the same time, I think it would be beneficial on both sides. I think he’d end up being a great player for Clemson. I know he’d be a standout guy because he’s a great young man. He’s a better young man than he is a football player, to be honest.”

Kobe McCloud

Kobe McCloud announced his verbal commitment to Clemson Wednesday, Jan. 26, just a mere couple of days after the legacy recruit, who hails from Gaither (Tampa, Fla.), officially visited campus.

McCloud went into detail with The Clemson Insider about his decision to commit to Clemson.

“Really just the love from the coaches,” McCloud said. “Not just the coaches, but their whole staff. I love that vision that they have for me for the next 3-4 years, so that played a big role.”

In a previous conversation with TCI, McCloud outlined his potential role. Clemson feels like he can play anywhere on that second-level, whether it’s at the WILL or MIKE linebacker positions. According to McCloud, Swinney had previously told him that his playstyle reminds him of former Clemson linebackers like B.J. Goodson and Dorian O’Daniel, both of whom went on to play in the NFL.

What can Clemson fans expect out of McCloud?

“I’m a baller on the field and off the field, I’m a great person with good character,” he said. “A person that lights up the room when I walk in. That’s the type of person I am.”

Kylon Griffin

Montgomery Catholic (Ala.) three-star defensive back Kylon Griffin elected to commit to Clemson on Tuesday, Jan. 25.

Even though the fast-rising prospect, who was once committed to Mississippi State, had another official visit on the table, his mind was already made up.

“I think there was no more to be said,” Griffin said. “Clemson has it all and more. I think Dabo Swinney has a great culture up there, that continues to evolve and that the whole staff wants the same thing.”

What role does the coaching staff envision for him?

“They compared me to K’Von Wallace,” Griffin said. “He was all-around the backend when he was there. I’m pretty sure they plan to use me all-around.”

Jahiem Lawson

Jahiem Lawson from nearby Daniel High School publicly committed to the Tigers on Friday, Jan. 28.

Lawson – the younger brother of former Clemson defensive end Shaq Lawson, who played for the Tigers from 2013-15 and has spent time in the NFL with the Bills, Dolphins, Texans and Jets – detailed his commitment decision in an interview with The Clemson Insider.

Jahiem (6-4, 215), who received an offer from Dabo Swinney and Clemson on Dec. 20, said he knew for sure a couple of weeks ago that Clemson is where he wanted to continue his academic and athletic career. He told Swinney and his staff that he wanted to be a Tiger while on his official visit to Clemson three weekends ago.

Jahiem chose the Tigers over offers from Missouri, Georgia Tech, Coastal Carolina and Liberty, among numerous other schools.

“The environment is really amazing,” Jahiem said of why he picked Clemson. “Being around the coaches, it’s like a family, and I love that. Going in on my OV (official visit), I just felt so welcomed. That was so exciting for me. So, that made my chances to go to Clemson higher.”

PWOs

Here is a list of all the preferred walk-ons that plan on signing with Clemson on Wednesday:

  • Christ Church Episcopal School (Greenville, S.C.) three-star offensive tackle Mason Johnstone
  • Laurens (S.C.) athlete Michael Mankaka
  • T.L. Hanna (Anderson, S.C.) linebacker Fletcher Cothran
  • Anderson (S.C.) T.L. Hanna offensive lineman Chap Pendergrass
  • Daniel (Central, S.C.) tight end Griffin Batt
  • Daniel (Central, S.C) wide receiver Clay Swinney
  • Daniel (Central, S.C.) quarterback Trent Pearman
  • Central High School (Phenix City, Ala.) quarterback Caleb Nix

Commitment Watch

By now, we know that there are four uncommitted prospects in the 2022 recruiting class that could commit to Clemson on Wednesday.

The Tigers played host this past weekend to a couple of official visitors, so we wanted to pass along the latest we have gathered regarding those official visitors, as well as the other Clemson targets.

T.J. Dudley

One of the uncommitted prospects that Clemson is in strong contention for is T.J. Dudley, a four-star linebacker from Montgomery (Ala.) Catholic Preparatory School who is ranked as the No. 11 outside linebacker and No. 143 overall prospect in the 2022 class by Rivals.

Dudley, a former Oregon commit, decommitted from the Ducks in early December after former Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal departed for Miami. It was around that time when Clemson, which offered Dudley back in June 2020, re-entered the mix for his services.

Clemson made a big impression on Dudley when he visited for a junior day back in the spring of 2020, and he returned to campus for an official visit last weekend – a visit that simply reinforced the things he liked about Clemson back then and only strengthened the Tigers’ standing heading into signing day.

Dudley is teammates with Montgomery Catholic Prep 2022 defensive back Kylon Griffin, who committed to the Tigers last week, and Clemson appears to be the clear frontrunner for Dudley as well. New co-defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Wes Goodwin has done a good job with Dudley’s recruitment.

Dudley will announce his decision at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Caden Story

We also like where Clemson stands with Caden Story, a four-star defensive tackle from Lanett (Ala.) High School, who is ranked as the No. 20 defensive lineman and No. 147 overall prospect in the 2022 class by 247Sports.

Clemson is one of three stated finalists for Story, along with Florida and Auburn. He committed to the SEC’s Tigers last August but did not end up signing in December, then decommitted from Auburn on Jan. 16. He went to Florida for an official visit this past weekend.

The Tigers made a great impression on Story during his official visit two weekends ago. He has a strong and longstanding relationship with Clemson’s defensive tackles coach and run game coordinator, Nick Eason, who also recruited Story when Eason was at Auburn.

While the Gators gave Story something to think about last weekend, we still believe the Tigers are in a good spot heading into Wednesday.

Story will reveal his college choice at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Keith Adams, Jr.

The other official visitor on campus this weekend was Pine View (Saint George, Utah) 2022 three-star running back Keith Adams, Jr.

“I just liked how everybody treated me,” Adams told The Clemson Insider Sunday. “I just enjoyed spending time with the coaches and the players. I had a lot of fun and the facilities were great.”

Clemson originally offered Adams as a grayshirt back when he was a junior in October 2020, but on Saturday, the Tigers offered him a full ride. According to Adams, Clemson loved his film and they saw him progress throughout the entirety of his high school career, which is why they offered him a full scholarship.

“It meant a lot,” he said, “to actually get it in person, it felt a lot different than receiving it over the phone. It was a special moment for me and my family.”

Adams, of course, is the son of former Clemson All-American linebacker Keith Adams Sr., who went on to play seven years in the NFL and played in the 2005 Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Clemson made a big impression on Adams Jr. and his family this weekend, and while he won’t make his decision known until Wednesday, we like the Tigers’ chances heading into signing day.

Adams will reveal his college choice at 1:40 p.m. Wednesday.

Andrew Paul

Heading into this past weekend, those close to Andrew Paul’s recruitment viewed Clemson as the frontrunner for the Parish Episcopal School (Dallas, Texas) three-star running back. However, Georgia has given him something to think about after his official visit to Athens this past weekend.

As far as his recruitment is concerned, Paul is very closed vest. So much so, that many of those around him are unsure of what he may decide. That being said, while we believe Georgia and Kirby Smart made a big push to land Paul’s commitment, we feel the Tigers still have a legitimate shot to land his signature on Wednesday.

Clemson has certainly put its best foot forward with Paul as well.

“He loved it,” Parish head coach Daniel Novakov said of Paul’s official visit. “He loved the place. He loved the people. He loved Coach Swinney. I think he really liked the kids he visited. I think he liked everything about it.”

The Tigers have been recruiting Paul hard since C.J. Spiller was in attendance for Paul’s state playoff game last month. Clemson’s running backs coach stayed for the entire game. That went a long way with Paul and his trainer Brandon Williams, who trains the three-star running back at FASST Performance & Fitness and has done so for the past three and a half years.

“That showed me not just the value, but the perception that I got from C.J. standing there the entire time just tells me where their relationship is with Andrew,” Williams said. ‘“Hey, this young man is what we want. It’s been amazing to see all those things, especially the respect level.”

Paul has built a close relationship with Spiller. He’ll have a tough decision to make between Clemson, Georgia and Michigan.

Paul will announce his decision at 12:20 p.m. Wednesday.

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Lawson talks Clemson commitment decision with TCI

On Friday, the Clemson football program formally picked up a commitment from a talented legacy recruit for the second time this week. After Gaither (Tampa, Fla.) 2022 linebacker Kobe McCloud – the younger brother of former Clemson and current …

On Friday, the Clemson football program formally picked up a commitment from a talented legacy recruit for the second time this week.

After Gaither (Tampa, Fla.) 2022 linebacker Kobe McCloud – the younger brother of former Clemson and current Steelers receiver Ray-Ray McCloud – announced his commitment to Clemson on Wednesday, 2022 defensive end Jahiem Lawson from nearby Daniel High School publicly committed to the Tigers on Friday via social media.

Lawson – the younger brother of former Clemson defensive end Shaq Lawson, who played for the Tigers from 2013-15 and has spent time in the NFL with the Bills, Dolphins, Texans and Jets – detailed his commitment decision in an interview with The Clemson Insider.

Jahiem (6-4, 215), who received an offer from Dabo Swinney and Clemson on Dec. 20, said he knew for sure a couple of weeks ago that Clemson is where he wanted to continue his academic and athletic career. He told Swinney and his staff that he wanted to be a Tiger while on his official visit to Clemson two weekends ago.

“He was actually amazed,” Jahiem said of Swinney’s reaction to his commitment. “He was very excited for me. He’s very excited, ready for me to come put in work, get extremely big this summer.”

Of course, given his connection to the Clemson football program through Shaq, Jahiem has developed a good relationship with Swinney over the years. He has a lot of respect for the Tigers’ head coach and is stoked to suit up for him.

“I’m very excited for that,” Jahiem said of playing for Swinney. “I think that’s going to be a great experience, playing for one of the best coaches in the country. So, I think that’ll be pretty fun.”

Jahiem chose the Tigers over offers from Missouri, Georgia Tech, Coastal Carolina and Liberty, among numerous other schools.

“The environment is really amazing,” Jahiem said of why he picked Clemson. “Being around the coaches, it’s like a family, and I love that. Going in on my OV (official visit), I just felt so welcomed. That was so exciting for me. So, that made my chances to go to Clemson higher.”

As you’d expect, Shaq is happy about his younger brother’s decision to be a Tiger, too. He has already been in Jahiem’s ear about donning the No. 90 that he wore during his Clemson career from 2013-15, when he racked up 167 tackles, 46.5 tackles for loss and 20 sacks across 41 games and finished his career eighth in school history in career tackles for loss and 10th in sacks.

“He was excited,” Jahiem said of Shaq’s reaction to his commitment.

“But he was trying to tell me, he was like, ‘Go out there and wear 90.’ I was like, ‘Bro, no, that’s not even the swag anymore,’” Jahiem added jokingly.

Jahiem doesn’t shy away from the fact that he’s following in Shaq’s footsteps by going to Clemson as well. But at the same time, Jahiem is eager to make his own name for himself.

“I want to definitely create my own legacy, but I am definitely following in his footsteps,” he said. “But definitely my own legacy, for sure.”

Jahiem was an all-state selection and region co-defensive MVP as a senior this past season, when he tallied 75 tackles, 25 for loss, 11 sacks, two blocked kicks and two touchdowns to help Daniel win the state title for a second straight year. He also recorded three sacks in the North-South All-Star Game and was named the Defensive MVP for his performance.

What can Clemson fans expect to see from him at Death Valley in the future?

“A lot of energy,” he said. “Just know that whatever number I am, you’re going to know that Jahiem Lawson is on the field. You’re going to see him out there.”

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Legacy recruit recaps ‘amazing’ official visit

It’s not often that you get to follow in the footsteps of your sibling, but Jahiem Lawson did just that on his official visit to Clemson this past weekend. The class of 2022 three-star defensive end out of nearby Daniel High School got to don the …

It’s not often that you get to follow in the footsteps of your sibling, but Jahiem Lawson did just that on his official visit to Clemson this past weekend. 

The class of 2022 three-star defensive end out of nearby Daniel High School got to don the same jersey that turned his brother into a household name and one of the better pass-rushers in the nation during his time at Clemson.

“It was amazing,” he told The Clemson Insider regarding his official visit. “It was a great experience. I had a really fun time.”

Jahiem, of course, is the younger brother of former Clemson defensive end Shaq Lawson, who played for the Tigers from 2013-15 and has spent time in the NFL with the Bill, Dolphins, Texans and Jets.

Jahiem conceded that his favorite part of the visit was getting to try on that all-orange uniform. He indicated that it was surreal to be able to put on the same jersey that his older brother wore across three seasons.

“I thought that was really fun,” Jaheim said in reference to following in his brother’s footsteps. “That was pretty cool to me. Going in the facilities and seeing my brother on the wall was pretty cool.”

Shaq didn’t make the trip. He was actually in Clemson last week but underwent surgery to on his groin.

He’s played an advising role in Jahiem’s recruitment and while he’d be thrilled for his younger brother to end up at Clemson, he isn’t pushing him in any one direction.

Though, if Jahiem does end up committing to Clemson, he’ll play for the same head coach that his brother did. Jahiem, obviously, had a chance to meet and talk with Dabo Swinney during his official visit.

With that being said, what was his overall message toward the legacy recruit and uncommitted prospect?

“He was like, ‘If you sign here, I’m gonna need you to come in, be aggressive, put a lot of weight on, be ready to work,’” Jahiem recalled, “and be ready to play when my chance comes up.”

Jahiem also had the opportunity to meet with Clemson defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin, defensive ends coach Lemanski Hall and defensive tackles coach Nick Eason during his official visit. 

If he were to come to Clemson, what role do the Tigers envision him playing?

“I would play the 5-technique off the edge, so the defensive end, ” he said. “They run a 4-man front.”

Jahiem agreed that’s the position he sees himself playing at the next level, either that or outside linebacker. 

That, of course, depends on which school Jahiem plans to make his next home. He’ll sit down with his family in the coming week and ultimately decide between Clemson, Missouri, Coastal Carolina, Georgia Tech and Liberty.

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Clemson to play host to official visitors this weekend

Clemson is set to host multiple official visitors this weekend across different sports. The Tigers will play host to four prospects, including two legacy recruits in the class of 2022 – Douglas County (Douglasville, Ga.) cornerback Myles Oliver, …

Clemson is set to host multiple official visitors this weekend across different sports.

The Tigers will play host to four prospects, including two legacy recruits in the class of 2022 — Douglas County (Douglasville, Ga.) cornerback Myles Oliver, Vestavia Hills (Birmingham, Ala.) wide receiver Cole Turner and D W Daniel (Central, S.C.) three-star defensive end Jahiem Lawson. 

Additionally, North Gwinnett (Suwanee, Ga.) three-star forward R.J. Godfrey, who signed with the Tigers back in November, will finally be making his official visit this weekend. At the time of his commitment and eventual signing, Godfrey had only unofficially visited Clemson. Now, he gets to officially be a Tiger for a day before he eventually enrolls and arrives on campus.

It’s worth mentioning that Clemson’s men’s basketball team will host Boston College this Saturday, Jan. 15 at the Littlejohn Coliseum.

Going back to football, Dabo Swinney’s team is still looking to fill out the remainder of its 2022 recruiting class, after only signing 12 players during the Early Signing Period in December. Clemson originally had 16 players verbally committed but lost four commitments in the aftermath of Brent Venables’ departure.

Oliver, according to his head coach at Douglas County, Johnny T. White, is said to be “super excited” for this weekend’s official visit.

The talented, under-the-radar cornerback has seen his recruitment heat up since late December. On Christmas Day, he announced that he would be officially visiting Clemson. He has since picked up an offer from Georgia Tech, which he will officially visit next weekend, and has received additional interest from Indiana, Purdue and Vanderbilt, as well as his offer from Charleston Southern.

Obviously, White is hopeful that the official visit goes well and ends in an offer for Oliver, and he told The Clemson Insider as much.

“Clemson would be a great place because it’s close to home for him,” White said. “Family’s big to him, so that’s not far. But, at the same time, I think it would be beneficial on both sides. I think he’d end up being a great player for Clemson. I know he’d be a standout guy because he’s a great young man. He’s a better young man than he is a football player, to be honest.”

As for the remaining two visitors, both have prior connections to the program. Lawson is the younger brother of former Clemson standout defensive end, Shaq Lawson, who most recently played in the NFL with the New York Jets this past season.

“I think it’s going to be pretty fun,” Jahiem told TCI regarding his upcoming official visit. “I’m looking forward to it. (Looking forward) to meeting the new staff, and honestly putting on the uniforms and trying the uniforms out, looking pretty cool in them.”

Last but not least is Turner, who is the younger brother of longtime Clemson safety, Nolan Turner. Nolan just wrapped his final season at Clemson and has played as many games as anyone in the history of the program. Cole, like his older brother before him, was also under-recruited coming out of high school. 

He has since caught the attention of Swinney and Clemson wide receivers coach Tyler Grisham. Which led to him picking up an offer from the Tigers on New Year’s Day. 

“They’re super pumped,” Vestavia Hills head coach Sean Calhoun told TCI after Cole received the offer from Clemson. “We’re super excited. It’s great.”

Both Cole and Jahiem hold offers from Clemson, while Oliver is still waiting on his, which could come after this weekend’s festivities. In any event, this weekend is a snapshot of why getting recruits on campus is so important for Clemson. 

This weekend is only the beginning, though. The Tigers will have plenty of more visitors in the following two weekends as they attempt to seal more commitments before February’s signing period.

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Brother of former Clemson standout excited for official visit this weekend

Among the official visitors, Clemson will play host to this weekend is the brother of a former Tiger standout. Class of 2022 defensive end Jaheim Lawson from nearby Daniel High School will head to Clemson after his team’s basketball game tonight and …

Among the official visitors, Clemson will play host to this weekend is the brother of a former Tiger standout. 

Class of 2022 defensive end Jaheim Lawson from nearby Daniel High School will head to Clemson after his team’s basketball game tonight and be on campus for the official visit until around noon Sunday. 

“I think it’s going to be pretty fun. I’m looking forward to it,” he told The Clemson Insider. “(Looking forward) to meeting the new staff, and honestly putting on the uniforms and trying the uniforms out, looking pretty cool in them.”

Jaheim, of course, is the younger brother of former Clemson defensive end Shaq Lawson, who played for the Tigers from 2013-15 and has spent time in the NFL with the Bills, Dolphins, Texans and Jets. 

Shaq was stoked when Jaheim received his offer from Clemson last month. 

“When I received my offer, he was very excited,” Jaheim said. “But he was just like, ‘Keep your eyes open, but if it came down to it and you don’t know where to go, that would be a great fit for you.’ That’s what he was saying.”

Dabo Swinney conveyed that offer to Jaheim during a phone conversation with the talented pass rusher on Dec. 20.

Of course, given his connection to the Clemson football program through Shaq, Jaheim has developed a good relationship with Swinney over the years. He has a lot of respect for the Tigers’ head coach and has thought about what it would be like to suit up for him. 

“I think he’s a great coach, as well as I think he’s a good dude,” Jaheim said. 

“I think that would be pretty cool,” he added of potentially playing for Swinney. “A big opportunity for me, if you ask me.”

Jaheim has been communicating frequently with Swinney and co-defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin ahead of the official visit. 

“They text me a lot,” Jaheim said, “and their message for me, if I end up signing there, they want me to end up coming in, getting really big, and coming to play the next year, being able to play.”

A 6-foot-4, 215-pound senior, Jaheim was an all-state selection and region co-defensive MVP this past season, when he tallied 75 tackles, 25 for loss, 11 sacks, two blocked kicks and two touchdowns to help Daniel win the state title for a second straight year. He also recorded three sacks in the North-South All-Star Game and was named the Defensive MVP for his performance.

“If you ask me, I think I’ve got a really fast-twitch, I get off the ball really well, and I’m able to pass rush really well, get to the quarterback,” he said, describing himself as a D-end. 

Along with Clemson, Jaheim has offers from Georgia Tech, Syracuse, Missouri, Coastal Carolina, East Carolina, Liberty, Middle Tennessee, Western Kentucky, Kent State and Central Michigan.

Jaheim doesn’t claim any favorites in his recruitment at this time but is in the process of narrowing things down. 

“I would say I don’t have top schools right now,” he said. “But I am kind of cutting it short, cutting it close.”

What will be the biggest factor for Jaheim when he decides which school to sign with on the traditional National Signing Day on Feb. 2?

“Wherever I end up going, I just want to make sure I feel home,” he said. “I want to be able to come into the program and fit and not feel left out.”

A couple of things stand out the most to Jaheim when he thinks about Clemson as a possible college home. 

“Probably the campus and relationships,” he said. “It feels like family.”

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Brother of former Clemson standout dishes on new offer from Tigers

Dabo Swinney phoned the younger brother of a former Clemson star on Monday evening. Clemson’s head coach had some important news. He was offering Jahiem Lawson, a three-star class of 2022 defensive end from nearby Daniel High School, a scholarship. …

Dabo Swinney phoned the younger brother of a former Clemson star on Monday evening.

Clemson’s head coach had some important news. He was offering Jahiem Lawson, a three-star class of 2022 defensive end from nearby Daniel High School, a scholarship.

When Lawson picked up the phone, he was nervous but really excited.

He wasn’t sure when it was going to happen, but he was hopeful that the offer was gonna come eventually. It did Monday.

“He said he loved the way I played and love the way I get after the quarterback,” Lawson told The Clemson Insider. “It means a lot because I always grew up watching this team and grew up around the environment.”

Jahiem, of course, is the younger brother of former Clemson and current New York Jets defensive end Shaq Lawson.

Shaq’s reaction?

“He was very excited for me,” Jahiem said. “Just talking me up.”

While he’s been to The Valley plenty of times before, Jahiem set up an official visit from Jan. 14-16. He indicated to TCI that he would like to make his visit before making an eventual college decision.

A 6-foot-4, 230-pound senior, Jahiem also has offers from Georgia Tech, Syracuse, Missouri, Coastal Carolina, East Carolina, Liberty, Middle Tennessee State, Western Kentucky, Kent State and Central Michigan.

Since the early signing period, he’s heard from schools like Tulane and Florida State, in addition to Clemson.

This season, as an all-state selection and region co-defensive MVP, Jahiem tallied 75 tackles, 25 for loss, 11 sacks, two blocked kicks and two touchdowns to help Daniel win the state title for a second straight year.

He also recorded three sacks in the North-South All-Star Game and was named the Defensive MVP for his performance.

Jahiem is someone who loves to get after the quarterback. He has a high twitch and is really athletic coming off that edge.

Swinney indicated that Clemson is happy with its numbers across the defensive line, but would like to add at least one more player between now and February.

The Tigers could have found their answer in Jahiem.

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