Penn State in top 3 for Class of 2024 four-star QB

Penn State one of three finalists for four-star QB in 2024

With [autotag]Drew Allar[/autotag] set to take over as quarterback for the 2023 season, Penn State fans are hoping he can lead them to the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history.

As the highest rated quarterback recruit since [autotag]Christian Hackenberg[/autotag], the expectations are high.

While no one may have their eye on the incoming quarterbacks, the recruiting machine never stops. It’s also more important than ever to have good quarterbacks in the program to step in and produce at a high level.

[autotag]Jayden Bradford[/autotag], a four-star quarterback in the Class of 2024 has narrowed his list to three schools according to Ryan Wright of Rivals.

Those schools are Penn State, South Carolina and NC State.

Bradford is originally from South Carolina, but is enrolled at IMG Academy in Florida.

The 6-foot, 190-pound quarterback is listed by On3 as a top 300 player and the 16th best QB in the country.

Max Preps listed Bradford’s stats last season as throwing for 1,071 yards, 19 touchdowns and zero interceptions in nine games played.

The On3 recruiting prediction machine has projected a close race between South Carolina and Penn State to land the four-star. South Carolina is currently in the lead with a 48.9% chance to land Bradford, while Penn State sits at 36.5%.

This could prove to be an important signing for the Nittany Lions if they manage to get a commitment from Bradford. Their top quarterback target in the 2024 class is five-star [autotag]Jadyn Davis[/autotag], who is expected  to sign with rival Michigan.

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Offer would put Tigers ‘at the top’ for elite in-state QB

Clemson continues to keep tabs on one of the nation’s top-ranked quarterbacks in a future class, who just so happens to hail from the Palmetto State. Chapin (S.C.) High School 2024 dual-threat signal-caller Jayden Bradford is being monitored by the …

Clemson continues to keep tabs on one of the nation’s top-ranked quarterbacks in a future class, who just so happens to hail from the Palmetto State.

Chapin (S.C.) High School 2024 dual-threat signal-caller Jayden Bradford is being monitored by the Tigers and remains firmly on their recruiting radar for his class.

“I know they have come by my school, and my coach informs me that they ask about me and check up weekly,” Bradford told The Clemson Insider.

As a sophomore this season, Bradford (6-1, 175) completed 153-of-238 passes (64.3 percent) for 2,018 yards and 22 touchdowns with just five interceptions, while rushing for 367 yards and five more scores on the ground.

South Carolina, NC State, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Penn State, Vanderbilt and Georgia State have all offered Bradford, who is ranked by 247Sports as the No. 2 prospect in the state of South Carolina, No. 8 quarterback nationally and No. 94 overall prospect for the class of 2024.

Bradford only had one visit scheduled as of the time he spoke with TCI but plans to hit the road for multiple recruiting trips this offseason.

“I’m going to NC State on (Jan.) 22 I believe for their junior day,” he said, “and I will definitely get out to other schools, just unsure of which ones yet. Just trying to give myself the best opportunity I can.”

Bradford most recently visited Clemson for the UConn game in November, and before that, he traveled to campus for the Dabo Swinney Camp back in June.

Returning to Tiger Town at some point moving forward is something Bradford certainly intends to do.

“I would love to go back,” he said. “Whenever they have the time, I will for sure make it up there.”

Bradford’s visits to Clemson in the past have allowed him to start getting to know and building a relationship with quarterbacks coach Brandon Streeter early in the process.

Bradford was happy for Streeter when he recently got promoted to be the Tigers’ new offensive coordinator following Tony Elliott’s departure to Virginia for the head coaching position there.

“I think it’s awesome that Coach Streeter got that job,” Bradford said. “I know he puts his heart and soul into the program, so I’m really happy to see that all his hard work has paid off. But I know he’s not done yet and is gonna do his best to put Clemson back on the mountaintop of college football.”

Bradford is keeping an open mind when it comes to his college options, but there’s no doubt an offer from Clemson in the future would make the prominent in-state program a prime contender in his recruitment.

“Obviously I’m not gonna eliminate any schools right now. I’m just trying to figure where I fit best,” he said. “If the Tigers offer, they would be at the top of my list for sure.”

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Top recruits react to Elliott leaving Clemson for UVA

Following the news Friday that Clemson offensive coordinator Tony Elliott was hired as the next head coach at Virginia, some top prospects gave their reactions to The Clemson Insider regarding the news. Here’s what they had to say: Monroe Freeling …

Following the news Friday that Clemson offensive coordinator Tony Elliott was hired as the next head coach at Virginia, some top prospects gave their reactions to The Clemson Insider regarding the news.

Here’s what they had to say:

Monroe Freeling (pictured above), 2023 4-star OL, Oceanside Collegiate Academy (Mount Pleasant, S.C.): “It was crazy to actually hear about it since he was just down at my school just a week ago. I’m sure it’s a great opportunity for him and it’s cool he’s taken the next step. It’s definitely a tough loss for Clemson. As for my recruiting, I’m eager to see who they will hire for his replacement. It’ll be interesting to see how things will change!”

Kam Pringle, 2024 4-star OL, Woodland High School (Dorchester, S.C.): “I’m happy for Coach Elliott because he deserves it! Coach Elliott and I have developed a great relationship and I have already been considering my recruitment in Virginia prior to the news!”

Jayden Bradford, 2024 4-star QB, Chapin High School (Chapin, S.C.): “It was crazy hearing the news because he’s been there for a while and has had great success. But he’s moving forward in his career and doing what he believes is the best, and I’m sure he will do great things at Virginia.”

Clemson commit Blake Miller, 2022 4-star OL, Strongsville High School (Strongsville, Ohio): “I’m definitely happy for him, being able to get that job. I’m sure when it comes to Clemson, that Coach Swinney has a plan. He’ll get someone in there and things will be business as usual.”

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4-star in-state QB, family ‘felt the love’ from Clemson during visit

While this past weekend was Clemson’s big official visit weekend, the Tigers also played host to some standout unofficial visitors for Saturday’s game against UConn, including Chapin (S.C.) High School four-star quarterback Jayden Bradford. The …

While this past weekend was Clemson’s big official visit weekend, the Tigers also played host to some standout unofficial visitors for Saturday’s game against UConn, including Chapin (S.C.) High School four-star quarterback Jayden Bradford.

The 6-foot-2, 180-pound sophomore is ranked as the No. 2 prospect in the Palmetto State and No. 8 signal-caller in the country for the class of 2024. The trip to Tiger Town was a family affair for Bradford (pictured above, top row, second from right), who was accompanied by his mother, father, sister and grandmother as well as a couple of friends.

“The visit was awesome, being there with my family and enjoying the moment,” Bradford told The Clemson Insider.

The highlight of the visit for Bradford, he said, was being able to speak with Clemson’s quarterbacks in the locker room following the Tigers’ 44-7 win over the Huskies.

He also really enjoyed experiencing what he called an “amazing” atmosphere at Memorial Stadium, especially on Military Appreciation Day as Clemson paid tribute to the active-duty and retired military with several presentations throughout the day.

“It’s been a while [since] I’ve been there, so to get that experience was awesome,” Bradford said of attending a game at Death Valley. “I really liked the Military Appreciation Day because I feel like the armed forces don’t get the recognition they deserve sometimes, so I really appreciated the university praising them.”

The staff member that Bradford spent the most time with while on campus was senior offensive assistant J.P. Losman, a former Tulane quarterback who was a first-round NFL Draft pick in 2004 by the Buffalo Bills.

Losman appeared in 45 NFL regular-season games over eight seasons with the Bills, Oakland Raiders, Seattle Seahawks and Miami Dolphins.

“I talked with Coach J.P. the most,” Bradford said. “He greeted me and my family, and he was just talking to us, getting to know us on a personal level and telling us how the season was going and also a little about how the game is in college and the NFL.”

Bradford also interacted with Clemson quarterbacks coach Brandon Streeter, who “had a lot of good things to say” to Bradford.

“I think for me the biggest takeaway I got from listening to him was to face adversity head on and attack instead of hide from it,” Bradford said of his conversations with Streeter.

Streeter traveled to check out Bradford during Chapin’s 50-14 win at Carolina Forest (Myrtle Beach) in the first round of the Class 5A state playoffs on Nov. 5, when Bradford threw for two touchdowns and ran for another score.

Bradford has also attended games at NC State, South Carolina, Virginia Tech and Penn State this season, and plans to be at Notre Dame’s game vs. Georgia Tech in South Bend this Saturday.

As for the visit to Clemson, the Tigers certainly left a great impression on Bradford and his family.

“My family and I felt the love immediately from the coaches and staff,” he said. “We loved our time there.”

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Official visitors on tap for Clemson-UConn

Clemson is getting ready for a big recruiting weekend, as the Tigers will play host to a bunch of official visitors for Saturday’s game against UConn. Most if not all of Clemson’s commitments in the 2022 class are expected to take their official …

Clemson is getting ready for a big recruiting weekend, as the Tigers will play host to a bunch of official visitors for Saturday’s game against UConn.

Most if not all of Clemson’s commitments in the 2022 class are expected to take their official visits, including Austin (Texas) Westlake five-star quarterback Cade Klubnik and IMG Academy standouts Jihaad Campbell, Daylen Everette and Keon Sabb, among others.

The only commit that won’t be able to make it is Toriano Pride. The four-star cornerback pledge from East St. Louis (Ill.) High School has a playoff game scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Preferred walk-on commits will be on campus as well, though it won’t be for an official visit.

While Clemson’s official visitor list is largely comprised of commits, the Tigers are slated to welcome a high-profile uncommitted official visitor in the 2022 class as well in Richmond (Va.) St. Christopher’s School four-star wide receiver Andre Greene Jr.

“Looking forward to getting back to Clemson,” Greene told The Clemson Insider last month. “Because of my school football schedule, I won’t be able to make the game. However, I feel it is important to get back there just to sit down with the coaching staff one last time before I make my final decision.”

Greene will not be able to make it for Saturday’s noon kickoff, but he still plans on making the trip for what could prove to be a critical official visit.

Greene made his way back to Clemson in July for the program’s All In Cookout after participating in the Dabo Swinney Camp as well. He publicly disclosed last week that he is down to Clemson, Georgia and North Carolina, and will announce his decision on Wednesday, Nov. 17.

Originally, Jennings (La.) four-star running back Trevor Etienne, of course, the younger brother of Travis Etienne, was supposed to be in attendance for Saturday’s game. However, Trevor has a playoff game on the road on Friday night, so his status is up in the air at the moment.

Trevor was last on campus for the Swinney Camp and Elite Retreat in June, In August, he released a top five featuring Clemson, Alabama, Florida, Georgia and LSU.

Some big-time prospects in future classes planning to unofficially visit Clemson this weekend are Warner Robins (Ga.) 2023 five-star defensive lineman Vic Burley, Dorman (Roebuck, S.C.) 2023 four-star offensive tackle Markee Anderson, Brookwood (Snellville, Ga.) 2023 four-star quarterback Dylan Lonergan, Jesuit (Tampa, Fla.) 2023 linebacker/safety Wade Woodaz, Pace Academy (Atlanta) 2024 four-star defensive lineman Hevin Brown-Shuler and Chapin (S.C.) 2024 four-star quarterback Jayden Bradford.

As for Bradford, he can’t wait to get back on campus this weekend for what will be a family affair.

“I’m really excited,” he told TCI. “I’m pretty sure my whole family’s going to go up there. My grandma is a huge Clemson fan, so we’re just going to go up there as a family and thank God for the opportunity and enjoy the moment.”

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In-state QB shines in front of Streeter, set to visit Saturday

With Clemson having a night game at Louisville last Saturday, one of the Tigers’ assistant coaches was able to travel to check out a standout Palmetto State signal-caller on Friday night. Quarterbacks coach Brandon Streeter was on hand to scout …

With Clemson having a night game at Louisville last Saturday, one of the Tigers’ assistant coaches was able to travel to check out a standout Palmetto State signal-caller on Friday night.

Quarterbacks coach Brandon Streeter was on hand to scout Chapin (S.C.) High School 2024 four-star quarterback Jayden Bradford during Chapin’s 50-14 win at Carolina Forest (Myrtle Beach) in the first round of the Class 5A state playoffs.

Bradford, who shined while throwing for two touchdowns and running for one more, told The Clemson Insider it meant a lot to him that Streeter attended his game.

“It was really obviously [great] to have a coach of his caliber come and watch me play,” Bradford said. “But I tried not to think about it and play my game to make sure we took care of business.”

Bradford also threw in front of Streeter when he camped at Clemson in June. Streeter keeps in touch with Bradford through his high school coach, and the 6-foot-2, 180-pound sophomore has been hearing positive things.

“We’ll communicate and he tells me that he really likes my game and skill set,” Bradford said, “and said I’ve done some good things this season so far.”

Entering Friday’s game at Carolina Forest, Bradford had thrown for 1,605 yards and scored 22 total touchdowns this season.

The feedback he’s gotten from Streeter about his game serves as additional motivation for Bradford to continue improving in hopes of earning an offer from Clemson down the road.

“I’m always trying to get better and help my team win,” he said. “So to hear that just makes me want to try and do more, and getting an offer from the Tigers would be nothing but a blessing.”

Bradford will soon return the favor of Streeter’s visit to see him, with a visit to Clemson for Saturday’s game against UConn at Death Valley.

Bradford can’t wait to get back on campus this weekend for what will be a family affair.

“I’m really excited,” he said. “I’m pretty sure my whole family’s going to go up there. My grandma is a huge Clemson fan, so we’re just going to go up there as a family and thank God for the opportunity and enjoy the moment.”

Bradford, who attended the Clemson-Georgia game in Charlotte on Sept. 4 as a guest of the Tigers, is ranked by 247Sports as the No. 2 prospect in the Palmetto State and No. 8 quarterback for the class of 2024. He has early offers from South Carolina, NC State, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Vanderbilt, Penn State and Georgia State.

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Standout in-state QB gives the latest

One of the top-ranked quarterback prospects in the Palmetto State, and in the country for the 2024 class, is Jayden Bradford of Chapin (S.C.) High School. The Clemson Insider recently caught up with Bradford to get the latest on his recruitment and …

One of the top-ranked quarterback prospects in the Palmetto State, and in the country for the 2024 class, is Jayden Bradford of Chapin (S.C.) High School.

The Clemson Insider recently caught up with Bradford to get the latest on his recruitment and Clemson, how his season is going and more. The 6-foot-2, 180-pound sophomore is ranked by 247Sports as the nation’s No. 8 quarterback in the 2024 class and the No. 2 class of 2024 QB in the state of South Carolina behind only Jadyn Davis of Catawba Ridge (Fort Mill, S.C.).

Bradford attended the Clemson-UGA game in Charlotte on Sept. 4 as a guest of the Tigers, and he has been to South Carolina and Penn State for games this season.

Visiting Clemson to take in a game at Death Valley before season’s end is something Bradford definitely intends to do.

“I am going to a game but haven’t pinpointed which one yet,” he said. “But 100 percent am going to one.”

The Tigers continue to check up on Bradford through his coach and invited him to their most recent game on Oct. 2, though he couldn’t make it.

“They sent me the BC game invitation,” he said. “And my coach tells me they reach out weekly.”

“It’s pretty awesome,” he added of the interest Clemson is showing.

Bradford received his latest offer on Sept. 3 from South Carolina, which joined NC State, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Vanderbilt, Penn State and Georgia State on his current offer list.

It’s still very early in the recruiting process for Bradford, who didn’t single out any favorites right now as he is weighing all his options and waiting to see which other college opportunities come his way moving forward.

“I mean every school stands out, and any school that reaches out I take into consideration,” he said, “and I’m just trying to give myself the best opportunity for my future.”

Bradford has thrown for close to 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns thus far during his sophomore campaign while leading Chapin to a 4-2 record.

“It’s been going good,” he said of his season. “The game is a lot slower than it was last year, which makes it easier to find the open guys and read the defense better.”

Asked to describe himself as a quarterback, Bradford replied with one word: “Determined.”

As a freshman last season, Bradford completed around 62 percent of his passes for 624 yards and six touchdowns with two interceptions, while rushing for 70 yards and two more scores.

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Clemson sees similarities between in-state QB, former Tiger

One rising in-state star on Clemson’s recruiting radar is Jayden Bradford, a four-star quarterback from Chapin (S.C.) High School. Bradford – a 6-foot-2, 180-pound sophomore ranked as the nation’s No. 8 QB in the class of 2024, per 247Sports – was …

One rising in-state star on Clemson’s recruiting radar is Jayden Bradford, a four-star quarterback from Chapin (S.C.) High School.

Bradford – a 6-foot-2, 180-pound sophomore ranked as the nation’s No. 8 QB in the class of 2024, per 247Sports – was invited to attend the season opener between Clemson and Georgia in Charlotte on Sept. 4 as a guest of the Tigers.

“It was awesome,” Bradford said to The Clemson Insider of witnessing the marquee matchup at Bank of America Stadium. “Being at the first college game day of the year was something I haven’t done before, and watching two of the best teams in the country was really (fun).”

The struggles Clemson’s offense had in the 10-3 loss to Georgia and has had to this point in the season overall are well documented. However, Bradford expects the Tigers to eventually figure things out offensively.

“It seems like they’ve been a bit out of sync this year but I’m sure they’ll get it together when it matters most,” he said. “At the Georgia game it wasn’t just Clemson that couldn’t move the ball, Georgia was also struggling. I think it was just a good performance from both defenses.”

Bradford camped at Clemson when he was a rising eighth grader in 2019 and returned to campus to partake in the Dabo Swinney Camp again this past summer.

Clemson’s staff was impressed by Bradford and saw similarities between him and former Tiger star signal-caller Deshaun Watson. The coaches gave Bradford positive feedback about his camp performance while also pointing out things for him to work on.

“They said they really liked me and reminded them a little of Deshaun with my athleticism and passing efficiency,” Bradford said, “but they also told me I get too narrow with my base and get too much on my toes instead of keeping all my cleats in the ground.”

Bradford says the Tigers have done a great job of staying in touch with him as best they can since he was on campus for the Swinney Camp, and they invited him to their game against Georgia Tech last Saturday.

Although Bradford didn’t make it to the game, he said he “more than likely” will get to Death Valley sometime this season. He went to Penn State for its showdown with Auburn last Saturday and plans to visit South Carolina for its clash with Kentucky this weekend.

Bradford received his latest offer on Sept. 3 from the Gamecocks, who joined NC State, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Vanderbilt, Penn State and Georgia State on his early offer list.

Clemson typically doesn’t start offering prospects until the summer before their junior year, but the Tigers are highly interested in Bradford and would figure to be a major contender for the in-state standout if they extend an offer in the future.

“I think Clemson’s program is great,” he said. “From what I’ve seen and heard, their mission to make every player a better man when they leave Clemson is something different from many programs around college football.”

As a freshman last season, Bradford completed around 62 percent of his passes for 624 yards and six touchdowns with two interceptions, while rushing for 70 yards and two more scores. He is the No. 2 prospect in the Palmetto State, No. 8 quarterback nationally and No. 94 overall prospect for the 2024 class according to 247Sports.

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Stud in-state QB ‘really excited’ to take in Clemson-UGA game

A standout quarterback prospect from the Palmetto State is pumped to take in today’s game between Clemson and Georgia in Charlotte. Chapin (S.C.) High School’s Jayden Bradford – the nation’s No. 8 signal-caller in the 2024 class, according to …

A standout quarterback prospect from the Palmetto State is pumped to take in today’s game between Clemson and Georgia in Charlotte.

Chapin (S.C.) High School’s Jayden Bradford – the nation’s No. 8 signal-caller in the 2024 class, according to 247Sports – will be in Bank of America Stadium to witness the top-five clash pitting the third-ranked Tigers against the No. 5 Bulldogs at 7:30 p.m.

“I’m really excited for it,” Bradford told The Clemson Insider. “It’ll be me and my family’s first time going to a game as a recruit, which will be fun.”

Bradford, who will be among the recruits in attendance as Clemson guests, believes the Tigers will prevail in a close battle.

“My prediction for the game is Clemson will come out on top in a nailbiter, 35-31,” he said.

Bradford (6-1, 180) camped at Clemson when he was a rising eighth grader in 2019 and returned to campus to participate in the Dabo Swinney Camp again this summer.

Bradford had a chance to speak with one of the special teams coaches his first time at camp, but this summer marked his first opportunity to tour the facilities and get to know the staff.

“Really just the way they interacted with all their players and campers there stood out,” he said. “You can really tell they care about the youth and helping them grow.”

A sophomore, Bradford received his latest offer on Friday from South Carolina, which joined NC State, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Vanderbilt, Penn State and Georgia State on his early offer list.

Clemson typically doesn’t start offering prospects until the summer before their junior year, but the Tigers are highly interested in Bradford, who would be ecstatic to earn an offer from the in-state powerhouse program in the future.

“To get an offer from Clemson would be very exciting,” he said, “and being an in-state kid would make it that much more special.”

As a freshman last season, Bradford completed around 62 percent of his passes for 624 yards and six touchdowns with two interceptions, while rushing for 70 yards and two more scores. He is the No. 2 prospect in the Palmetto State, No. 8 quarterback nationally and No. 94 overall prospect in the 2024 class per 247Sports.

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