Tag: R.J. Godfrey

Foreign tour a chance for Clemson hoops to ‘begin to put the pieces together’

Clemson’s men’s basketball team won’t have to wait until the fall to start playing games again. Head coach Brad Brownell confirmed to The Clemson Insider on Thursday that his team will take a preseason trip to France this summer. The Tigers’ …

Clemson’s men’s basketball team won’t have to wait until the fall to start playing games again.

Head coach Brad Brownell confirmed to The Clemson Insider on Thursday that his team will take a preseason trip to France this summer. The Tigers’ international tour will take place Aug. 3-13, according to Stadium’s Jeff Goodman.

Not since 2019 has Clemson traveled overseas, something the NCAA allows basketball teams to do once every four years. Brownell said those European trips, which have included Italy and Spain, have been productive for his teams in the past.

“We’ve done well every time we’ve gone overseas,” Brownell said. “Obviously the chance to go out and experience a little bit of a different culture and learn some other things beyond the United States is really good for our guys. It gives us a great chance to blend and get to know each other a little bit better and spend more time away from basketball, which is good.”

It will give the Tigers a head start on not only preparation for the 2022-23 season but also cohesion within a team that will have its share of new pieces. With four-star combo guard Dillon Hunter freshly in the mix, Clemson is making five new additions, including Boston College transfer Brevin Galloway, to a roster that includes notable holdovers Hunter Tyson and PJ Hall, the Tigers’ leading scorer a season ago.

The number of newcomers could increase by one should Clemson use its final available scholarship for next season’s roster, something the Tigers will do through the transfer portal if it happens. Clemson will get 10 days to practice before making the trip and then play numerous exhibition games against international competition during its 11 days overseas.

“We can practice a little bit more, play some games over there and just kind of begin to put the pieces together for this year’s team,” Brownell said. “So it should be good.”

Particularly for the incoming freshmen. Joining Hunter in the Tigers’ freshmen class are fellow guard Chauncey Gardner and forwards Chauncey Wiggins and R.J. Godfrey, all of whom signed with Clemson in November. It might not come against other Division I players, but Brownell said the overseas competition will help give the Tigers’ first-year players an idea of what to expect at the college level.

“Get acclimated to what life is going to be like,” Brownell said. “The games aren’t the same as the high-major games, but just to be able to play and get used to playing with each other and practicing I think is really important.”

Whether or not Hall will be available to play during the international tour is unknown. Brownell said he expects the Tigers’ sophomore big to be somewhat limited until at least mid-July after Hall recently underwent surgery to repair his fractured left foot.

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4-star LB recaps visit, says playing with brother at Clemson ‘would be awesome’

The Clemson Insider recently caught up with North Gwinnett (Suwanee, Ga.) 2023 four-star linebacker Grant Godfrey, who was back on Clemson’s campus on Saturday, March 12. Grant, of course, is the younger brother of R.J. Godfrey, a three-star …

The Clemson Insider recently caught up with North Gwinnett (Suwanee, Ga.) 2023 four-star linebacker Grant Godfrey, who was back on Clemson’s campus on Saturday, March 12.

Grant, of course, is the younger brother of R.J. Godfrey, a three-star forward, who signed with Brad Brownell’s program this past November. 

“It was actually great,” he said of his recent campus visit. “Too bad we didn’t get to try on the uniforms and stuff, but I had a great time. It’s a beautiful campus with great, down-to-earth coaches. That’s what stood out to me.”

According to Grant, he talked to Wesley Goodwin and Clemson’s defensive coordinator and linebackers coach told him that he was going to be recruiting him as an inside linebacker going forward.

“Last year I played a lot of inside too, but I mostly played on the edge,” Grant said. “(Coach Goodwin) said that he wants to see me inside and he wants to see me attack the ball better and stuff. (Those conversations) went really well. He said he’s not gonna offer me right now until he sees me perform in the spring. If I perform in the spring, he said that he’s gonna offer me.”

What would a potential offer mean to Grant?

“It would be awesome playing with my brother and my brother being up there,” he said.

Goodwin, as well as Clemson co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach Mickey Conn, will be making their way down to North Gwinnett (Suwanee, Ga.) later this spring to check Grant out a few times. North Gwinnett kicks off spring practice beginning on Monday, May 2.

This was Grant’s first time getting to talk with Goodwin in person.

“He was a cool, cool person,” he said of Goodwin. “He’s very, very smart. That’s his main thing. After watching the practice, he’s not going to scream at you. He’s gonna stop it and tell you exactly what you did wrong. He’s a very smart coach and I just like him as a coach.”

After making his Clemson visit, Godfrey was at the University of South Carolina this past weekend and will be at Wake Forest on April 1 and Duke on April 2. He’ll also be at the University of Florida on April 9, as well as the University of Tennessee come April 16.

Clemson talked about getting Grant back on campus, but he’s unsure when that’ll be. He’ll try to return to campus this summer.

Grant (6-3, 210) currently ranks as the No. 16 linebacker and No. 202 overall prospect in the country for the 2023 recruiting class, per the 247Sports Composite rankings.

— Photo for this article courtesy of Grant Godfrey

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Big honor for future Tiger

After signing with Clemson back in November 2021, R.J. Godfrey was able to put quite the senior season together for North Gwinnett. Godfrey, – a 6-7, 215-pound senior – was named Georgia high school basketball’s Region 8-7A Player of the Year. It’s …

After signing with Clemson back in November 2021, R.J. Godfrey was able to put quite the senior season together for North Gwinnett.

Godfrey, — a 6-7, 215-pound senior — was named Georgia high school basketball’s Region 8-7A Player of the Year. It’s quite an impressive feat for the Suwanee (Ga.) native before he heads off to college.

The Clemson signee will have a chance to help out his new team, once he arrives on campus this summer. Back in November, he walked The Clemson Insider through his decision to commit to Clemson and ultimately sign with the Tigers.

“I thought Clemson was the perfect fit for me in terms of environment, just being there and experiencing that family environment,” Godfrey said. “Also, from a basketball standpoint, I think Coach [Antonio Reynolds] Dean is going to heighten my potential, just like what he’s done, for example, Aamir Simms. Last year he really improved him as a player and I think he can do the same for me and get me to that next level.”

Godfrey touted the ability to play in the best basketball conference in America as a reason for choosing Clemson over schools like Ole Miss and Texas Tech. Clemson gets to face off against the likes of Virginia, Louisville, Duke, UNC and Florida State, so going up against those powerhouse schools at least once a season was intriguing to Godfrey.

“I just think Clemson was the perfect fit for me,” he continued. “I have a couple of friends on that team: Ian Schieffelin, can’t wait to work with him when I get there, and Chauncey [Wiggins] from Grayson and also Chase Hunter, a childhood friend. So, I can’t wait to get up there and work with them.”

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Clemson keeping in touch with Peach State LB, brother of basketball signee

The Clemson Insider has the latest on a four-star Peach State linebacker with multiple connections to Clemson. Recently, Grant Godfrey has been in touch with Clemson defensive ends coach Lemanski Hall, who invited him to the Tigers’ spring practices …

The Clemson Insider has the latest on a four-star Peach State linebacker with multiple connections to Clemson.

Recently, Grant Godfrey has been in touch with Clemson defensive ends coach Lemanski Hall, who invited him to the Tigers’ spring practices and wanted to let him know that they’re very interested in him going forward. So much so that Clemson is planning to visit with Godfrey at North Gwinnett (Suwanee, Ga.) sometime this spring.

Clemson co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach Mickey Conn has also kept tabs on Godfrey. Obviously, Conn’s ties to the area play a huge role here, as he’s kept in touch with Godfrey’s head coach at North Gwinnett, Bill Stewart, ever since he was the head coach at nearby Grayson High School.

“It’s really important,” Godfrey said of Clemson’s interest in him, “because they’re one of the top schools that talks to me almost every week. Tennessee, [Clemson], Vanderbilt and Georgia are basically the schools that talk to me every week. Clemson hasn’t offered me, but they’re keeping in touch with me almost every week, which means a lot to me.”

Godfrey would love to have the chance to meet with Conn, personally. They’ve stayed connected, but when Godfrey unofficially visited for Clemson’s 30-20 win over Florida State at Memorial Stadium on Oct. 30, 2021, Conn was tied up in a meeting. 

“Next time he comes down here or I come up there, I would love to meet him and just have a conversation about football,” he said.

Prior to the game, Godfrey spent the majority of his time with Hall, who is close personal friends with his father, Randall Godfrey,  a former NFL linebacker himself. Grant’s connections to Clemson don’t stop there, though. His older brother, R.J., is a three-star small forward, who signed with Brad Brownell’s program this past November. 

Of course, Grant would need an offer from Clemson to do so, but what would it mean for him to have the opportunity to play at the same school as his older brother?

“I mean, that’s awesome,” he said. “We always loved talking about where we’re going and stuff. We haven’t really decided if we’re gonna play with each other, but if the opportunity presents itself, we would love to go up there and play at the same school and support each other.”

For Grant, it’s surreal that Clemson remains an option in his recruitment. The distance from his home in Suwanee is enticing and he’s aware of what the school has to offer and entails after watching R.J. go through the recruitment process.

Grant is fortunate enough to use his brother’s recruitment process as a guiding light. It’s a helpful tool that not every student-athlete has access to. Even though they’re playing two different sports at the next level, he knows what he’s looking for in a school at the next level and just how important relationship building will be for him going forward.

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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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Latest on Clemson’s 2023 linebacker targets

The Clemson Insider wanted to release some intel we’ve picked up regarding Clemson’s linebacker recruiting. Well, as far as the 2023 recruiting class is concerned. We can tell you that Clemson’s staff has kept in contact with a range of prospects in …

The Clemson Insider wanted to release some intel we’ve picked up regarding Clemson’s linebacker recruiting. Well, as far as the 2023 recruiting class is concerned.

We can tell you that Clemson’s staff has kept in contact with a range of prospects in the wake of Brent Venables’ departure to Oklahoma.

Clemson’s former defensive coordinator spearheaded the recruitment of three class of 2023 linebackers — Denmark (Alpharetta, Ga.) four-star Dee Crayton, North Gwinnett (Suwanee, Ga.) four-star Grant Godfrey and Many (La.) four-star Tackett Curtis.

All three players are considered top-200 prospects and rank as No. 12, No. 16 and No. 6 linebackers, respectively, in the 2023 recruiting class, per the 247Sports Composite rankings.

It’s worth mentioning that Curtis is the lone linebacker of the aforementioned trio, who currently holds an offer from Clemson. Though, the Tigers continue to recruit all three just the same.

Crayton told us that he’s kept in close contact with Clemson. Just last week, co-defensive coordinator/safeties coach Mickey Conn came by his school and informed Crayton’s head coach that they’ll be heavily recruiting him and are excited for him as a prospect.

“Clemson’s a top-tier school in the whole country,” Crayton said. “So, I really respect that and I’m just gonna keep working and put it in God’s hands. I know that it’s not gonna come easy and I just have to keep producing on the field, trying to win games, and ultimately, that’s gonna get me to that offer soon.”

As for Godfrey, Lemanski Hall has kept in contact. Clemson’s defensive end coach was just checking up on him and how his basketball season was going, he said.  

Godfrey’s older brother, R.J., of course, is a class of 2022 signee himself. The 6-foot-7 forward put pen to paper with Brad Brownell’s team in November. It would be a dream come true for the brothers to play with each other at the next level.

And as for Curtis, his head coach and uncle, Jess, told us that he believes Clemson’s co-defensive coordinator/linebacker coach, Wes Goodwin, has been in contact with his nephew, Tackett, who is one of the top linebacker recruits in the country.

There are a lot of pieces to be picked up, especially from the recruiting end of things, now that Venables is in Norman. That said, Clemson’s staff, particularly Goodwin, has worked diligently to pick up those pieces and continue to recruit prospects that have a clear interest in the program.

“Recruiting takes time, a lot of investment,” Goodwin said. “Nobody’s gonna outwork me is kind of the mentality that I have. So, just continuing to develop those relationships and pouring into young people.”

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Clemson ‘the perfect fit’ for talented new commit

Last night, R.J. Godfrey was still debating between Clemson and Ole Miss. He woke up Wednesday morning and knew that Clemson was the best place for him to be. He got out of bed and told his parents. They were all for it. Godfrey walked The Clemson …

Last night, R.J. Godfrey was still debating between Clemson and Ole Miss.

He woke up Wednesday morning and knew that Clemson was the best place for him to be. He got out of bed and told his parents. They were all for it. 

Godfrey walked The Clemson Insider through his decision to commit to Clemson. 

“It’s close to home,” Godfrey explained. “My family wants me to go there. My brother [Grant], he’s being recruited by Clemson football, so that would be great if we both team up one day.”

“I thought Clemson was the perfect fit for me in terms of environment, just being there and experiencing that family environment,” he added. “Also, from a basketball standpoint, I think Coach [Antonio Reynolds] Dean is going to heighten my potential, just like what he’s done, for example, Aamir Simms. Last year he really improved him as a player and I think he can do the same for me and get me to that next level.”

Godfrey touted the ability to play in the best basketball conference in America as a reason for choosing Clemson over schools like Ole Miss and Texas Tech. Clemson gets to face off against the likes of Virginia, Louisville, Duke, UNC and Florida State, so going up against those powerhouse schools at least once a season was intriguing to Godfrey.

“I just think Clemson was the perfect fit for me,” he continued. “I have a couple of friends on that team: Ian Schieffelin, can’t wait to work with him when I get there, and Chauncey [Wiggins] from Grayson and also Chase Hunter, a childhood friend. So, I can’t wait to get up there and work with them.”

Speaking of relationships and close connections, the bond Godfrey built with Clemson assistant Antonio Reynolds Dean was like no other on the recruiting trail. It played a big part in his decision to commit to Clemson.

“Coach Dean, I mean he’s probably the most chill and honest coach I’ve talked to yet,” Godfrey said. “He’s just straight up. He says things how it is. That’s what I really like about him. He’s also committed to getting players better too. I’ve seen that just from talking to Ian Schieffelin. He’s real committed to getting those players to the league and also winning a lot of games. I feel like he has a nice plan for me when I get there. His plan is already laid out for me right now. I’m excited to be working with him.”

Godfrey might not have met Dean if it wasn’t for his AAU coach Winfred Jordan, who is the head coach of Atlanta Xpress.

“He was the one who introduced me to Coach Dean, I would say about early March,” he said. “I know my AAU coach and Coach Dean are very close. They trust one another and I know Coach Winfred, he trusts Coach Dean to better me not just as a player, but as a person on and off the court. They’re real close now. I know Coach Dean has been working with Winfred since he was a teenager. I know they have a really, really tight relationship.”

Godfrey phoned Dean around 10 minutes prior to posting his decision on social media Wednesday.

His reaction?

“He just started freaking out,” Godfrey said. “He was in his office. I just told him, ‘Coach, I’m coming.’ He started yelling. He ran to the meeting room because they were having a meeting about film and he ran in there and I informed Coach [Brad] Brownell and said, ‘Coach, I’m coming. I’m gonna be a Tiger!’ Coach Brownell started jumping up and down, so that was real fun. And, Coach [Dick] Bender was real excited too. I just can’t wait to get up there.”

Godfrey plans to use his final official visit at Clemson.

“I can’t wait for that,” he added.

However, Godfrey doesn’t believe it’ll be anytime soon because of his high school basketball season schedule, and then Grant will be in Knoxville (TN.) next weekend for an unofficial at the University of Tennessee. He can’t get up to Tiger Town anytime soon, but he’s looking forward to it nonetheless.

R.J. went into detail about what it would mean to join forces with Grant at the next level. Though, he’s going to let his younger brother make his own eventual decision and will be happy for him whether he goes all the way across the country or right down the street at Clemson’s football complex.

“That would mean a lot because he’s basically my twin brother, we’re 13 months apart,” he said. “That’s the guy I have the best relationship in this world with. That would mean a lot to me and my family. Both [Godfrey] boys being close to home, an hour and 20 minutes from home, I think that would be very impactful to college sports if me and him went to Clemson together.”

Once R.J. arrives on campus, what can Clemson fans expect out of him?

“A lot of excitement,” Godfrey said. “I’m a very fun player to watch. A lot of huge blocked shots from me. I’m a pretty elite rim protector, like [Tuesday] night in the first four minutes, I had four blocks. So, just expect a lot of big-time defensive plays and a lot of nice highlight dunks too. And, I bring the energy. I wouldn’t say I’m the most energetic person on the court, but I make highlight plays and I love getting the crowd involved and getting the crowd loud and stuff. Probably, a lot of energy and I would say I’m a decent winner too. Expect a lot of improvement from not just me, but just the team and a lot of energy too. I just can’t wait to get to Clemson next summer.”

A correct characterization of Godfrey’s game is that he’s a versatile playmaker, who also has elite athleticism. He can switch 1-5 on defense and also play 1-4 on offense. Godfrey is also an above-average passer. Last season, he averaged four assists per game, which he added is the “most underrated” part of what he brings to the table.

The main thing Clemson stressed to Godfrey throughout its recruiting pitch is that he can come in and play right away. According to Godfrey, the Tigers believe his body is already at an NBA level. They think he has the body and the skills to make an immediate impact at either the 3 or the 4.

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Signing Day: Godfrey, Wiggins and Gibson officially put pen to paper

Wednesday marked the early signing period for Division I basketball recruits in the 2022 recruiting class. Grayson (Loganville, Ga.) three-star forward Chauncey Wiggins, Kimball (Dallas, TX.) three-star combo guard Chauncey Gibson and North Gwinnett …

Wednesday marked the early signing period for Division I basketball recruits in the 2022 recruiting class.

Grayson (Loganville, Ga.) three-star forward Chauncey Wiggins, Kimball (Dallas, TX.) three-star combo guard Chauncey Gibson and North Gwinnett (Suwanee, Ga.) three-star forward R.J. Godfrey all officially signed with the Clemson Tigers on Wednesday.

Wiggins verbally committed to Clemson on Sept. 24 over schools like Georgia, Maryland, USF and N.C. State. The Tigers got Wiggins on campus for an official visit from Sept. 10-12, which essentially sealed the deal on his recruitment.

“I feel like Clemson is the underdog ACC team,” Wiggins told The Clemson Insider. “They’re on the come-up. They just beat Duke. They just beat UNC.”

Wiggins (6-9, 200) ranks as the No. 25 power forward in the country and No. 4 prospect in the state of Georgia, per 247Sports.

He’s a versatile playmaker, who thrives playing along the wing. Wiggins expects to come in and play a similar role to that of senior forward Hunter Tyson, he said.

The Grayson product makes plays with the ball in his hands and creates scoring opportunities for himself. Defensively, he’s got the length to get his hands in passing lanes and be a disruptive force at the opposing end. He figures to play either the No. 3 or 4 position at the next level.

As for Gibson, he verbally committed to Clemson on Oct. 9 over schools like SMU, Texas Tech and Old Dominion. The Tigers were able to see Gibson on campus for an official visit that weekend and he didn’t leave Tiger Town without giving Clemson’s staff his verbal pledge.

“When I was down there and by the end of the visit, they made me feel like I was at home,” he told TCI. “The players, they treated me well, they made me feel like I was already a player on the team. I only hung out with five of them, but all five of them made me feel at home.

“The coaches made me feel at home. They told me some stuff that any player would love to hear, going to the next level. That played a big role. I really think they’re going to help me get to the next level.”

Gibson (6-6) out of Kimball (Dallas, TX.), has the size and the ability to shoot and pass at the ACC level. He also holds a unique height advantage as a tall point guard.

Last but certainly not least is Godfrey, who committed to Clemson on Wedneday afternoon. His signing became official on Thursday, but he plans on having a ceremony at his high school on Monday, Nov. 15.

“I thought Clemson was the perfect fit for me in terms of environment, just being there and experiencing that family environment,” he told TCI. “Also, from a basketball standpoint, I think Coach [Antonio Reynolds] Dean is going to heighten my potential, just like what he’s done, for example, Aamir Simms. Last year he really improved him as a player and I think he can do the same for me and get me to that next level.”

A correct characterization of Godfrey’s game is that he’s a versatile playmaker, who also has elite athleticism. He can switch 1-5 on defense and also play 1-4 on offense. Godfrey is also an above-average passer. Last season, he averaged four assists per game, which he added is the “most underrated” part of what he brings to the table.

The addition of another top-150 national prospect to the fold certainly boosts the recruiting class that coach Brad Brownell and staff have put together in this recruiting cycle. Godfrey joins Wiggins, who some recruiting services also view as a top-150 player, and Gibson, who could very well be in that conversation by the end of his senior campaign.

In any event, the Tigers have put together a really strong class and have one remaining open scholarship spot to fill.

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Clemson visit was a family affair for Peach State 4-star

The Clemson Insider caught up with a talented Peach State four-star prospect after he made an unofficial trip to Clemson for the team’s 30-20 over Florida State last weekend. This past weekend in Clemson was a family affair for North Gwinnett …

The Clemson Insider caught up with a talented Peach State four-star prospect after he made an unofficial trip to Clemson for the team’s 30-20 over Florida State last weekend.

This past weekend in Clemson was a family affair for North Gwinnett (Suwanee, Ga.) 2023 linebacker Grant Godfrey.

“It was great,” Godfrey told TCI regarding his visit to Clemson. “I loved the atmosphere. I loved the facilities. I just loved talking to some of the coaches too. The highlight was definitely touring the facilities and seeing all the new stuff they have, like the little sleeping pods. That was actually awesome. That was probably my favorite thing.”

While their unofficial visits were separate, Godfrey was accompanied by his older brother, R.J., who was offered by Clemson men’s basketball program a couple of weeks back. The top-150 prospect in the 2022 class included the Tigers in his final six schools and visited Tiger Town before he makes a decision next week.

Grant, who would love to have the opportunity to play at the same school as his brother at the next level, got to participate in a photo shoot with him for the first time.

“We had a lot of fun on the set together,” Grant said. “We had a split day, so he was at basketball and I was at football. Other than that, it was really fun.”

R.J. had to leave the game early to attend a meeting with the basketball coaching staff, but Grant stayed the entirety of the game. 

“It was really exciting,” he said. “At first, I thought the game was over, so I was just on my phone. I look up and they’re just pitching the ball on the final play and there he is. Barrett (Carter) scored and I was hype and excited.”

Grant had a chance to speak with Carter before the start of this past Saturday’s game. He also had a chance to talk with Clemson defensive ends coach Lemanski Hall, who knows his father, former NFL linebacker, Randall Godfrey.

“We sat down and he told us that [Clemson] is a great place to be,” Grant recalled. “They’re like us (North Gwinnett High School). They’re a very good, powerhouse team, who’s having a pretty down year, but looking to turn this season backwards and around.”

While he’s kept in contact with Brent Venables and Mickey Conn, it was Hall and director or recruiting Jordan Sorrells, who welcomed the Godfreys with open arms this past weekend.

Speaking of Venables, Godfrey has shown an affinity for how Clemson’s defensive coordinator/linebackers coach utilizes his young linebackers like Carter and Trenton Simpson, which he got to witness on Saturday.

“I love how they use Barrett and them,” he said. “Come in, play a lot and make some good plays.”

Godfrey currently holds an impressive list of offers from programs like the University of Virginia, Georgie Tech, Kentucky, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Louisville, Vanderbilt, UCF, Boston College and TCU.

Although he doesn’t have that coveted Clemson offer just yet, Grant plans on making it back up to The Valley for another unofficial visit in the spring.

“Definitely the fans,” Godfrey said when asked how Clemson’s game day experience compares/contrasts to other schools in the country. “The fans were very nice to me when I was there at the game and it was just super loud.”

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Priority target talks ‘surprising’ Clemson visit, approaching decision

The Clemson Insider checked in with a priority recruit in the class of 2022, who was on campus this past weekend. North Gwinett (Suwanee, Ga.) three-star forward R.J. Godfrey took in an unofficial visit as he begins to narrow down his recruitment. …

The Clemson Insider checked in with a priority recruit in the class of 2022, who was on campus this past weekend.

North Gwinett (Suwanee, Ga.) three-star forward R.J. Godfrey took in an unofficial visit as he begins to narrow down his recruitment. He dropped a top-6 last week, which includes Clemson, along with Georgia, Georgia Tech, Texas Tech, Ole Miss and Utah.

Standing at 6-foot-7, 210-pounds, Godfrey’s game is predicated on his versatility and top-flight athleticism. Of course, it helps that the top-150 prospect is the son of former NFL linebacker, Randall Godfrey.

“This weekend was my first time on Clemson’s campus,” Godfrey told TCI. “It was very surprising. It surprised me, as soon as I got up there, seeing the football field when you first get there and how the basketball [facilities] are right next to it. Me and my brother [Grant] automatically, just looked at each other because if we both end up at Clemson, we’d be right next to each other. That’s always good.”

North Gwinett (Suwanee, Ga.) 2022 three-star power forward R.J. Godfrey and his brother, four-star linebacker Grant Godfrey during their unofficial visit to Clemson on Saturday, Oct. 30.

Godfrey spent most of his day in the basketball facility. He watched practice with a couple of other recruits.

“The practice went well,” he said. “I saw a lot of old guys I played against like [freshman forward] Ian Schieffelin and I grew up watching [sophomore guard] Chase Hunter. So, it was good seeing them practice again. The visit on Saturday, it was great. I got to see the training room, the locker room. All that was nice, top-tier stuff.”

Godfrey was able to get a sense of the family atmosphere that has become a huge selling point in Clemson’s recruiting pitch.

“What stuck out to me the most was probably how close everybody was,” Godfrey explained. “They had meals after practice. It was like a big ol’ meal for everybody there. The whole team was there. The camaraderie was there with the team. Also with [sophomore forward] P.J. Hall and Coach Brownell, they seem really close. Just like the camaraderie with everybody there. Coach [Kareem] Richardson too, we were all talking.”

He later was accompanied by Clemson head coach Brad Brownell for the football team’s 30-20 win over Florida State at Memorial Stadium on Saturday. 

Godfrey and his brother, Grant, are close with Clemson’s true freshman linebacker Barrett Carter. Though, R.J. didn’t get to see his close friend score his first career touchdown to seal Clemson’s 10-point victory over FSU because he and his mother had left the game early for a meeting with Brownell and assistant coach Antonio Reynolds Dean.

“We really haven’t talked about the school as a whole,” Godfrey said of his conversations with Carter about Clemson. “He’s just like, ‘Hey man, pull up to Clemson. It’s the place to be. It’s great here. Just pull up.’ I might as well ‘cause it’s a great program and I mean, I love it there.”

According to Godfrey, Clemson started pushing him “real hard” about two weeks ago. He kind of figured an offer was eventually coming because every single coach on Clemson’s staff was in there to see him at one point.

The first time Godfrey met with Brownell was when he came down to North Gwinnett back in September. Clemson’s head coach watched Godfrey work out with his team as they prepared for the season ahead.

“He’s a really cool guy,” Godfrey said. “His track record is pretty good in terms of wins and getting guys to the league. We started building that relationship. We talked about a lot of football. He asked a lot about my dad and stuff. He and my dad got along well. Me and him, we really get along.”

While Brownell is heavily involved with Godfrey, he’s also been in contact daily with Lucas McKay. He was on FaceTime with Clemson’s director of recruiting for close to an hour on Tuesday night. Godfrey has also heard a lot from assistant coach Dick Bender, who’s maintained close contact with him over the past two months or so.

What part of Clemson’s recruiting pitch has resonated with Godfrey the most?

“Probably just how they see me as a high-level NBA guy like Coach Dean said he’s going to change me and change me for the better,” Godfrey said. “He said he’s gonna work with me. We went over a lot of film when he was down here last week, like pointing out my weaknesses and what I need to work on, but also pointing out some strong suits that he’s gonna get me better with. They’re really just pitching to me how they’re gonna change me as a player and get me to that high level, where I need to be.”

“I think because of my body and with my skill set, I could play right away,” he added. “They got the right people, they got the right coaches for me to succeed there. I sure do think I could play early there.”

Last week, Dean stopped by Godfrey’s practice. He was at his house the week before and has now been down to Suwanne, Ga. in consecutive weeks. That’s been a common theme, as he’ll have plenty of coaches visiting before he eventually makes his decision.

Godfrey had Ole Miss’s coaching staff come in to visit on Wednesday night, while Brownell and Dean will be at his house on Thursday evening. Texas Tech will be there on Friday and then Godfrey will take his final visit to Georgia Tech this weekend.

How does Godfrey envision the rest of his recruitment playing out? 

“During that dead period, I’m gonna make my decision within the next week,” he said. “I’m just gonna take time during that dead period and think about what school is the right school and I’ll make a choice.”

Godfrey is set out to make a decision sometime early next week and he plans on signing with his new team during the early signing period. 

“The recruitment process has been such a blessing because I’ve worked so hard for this,” Godfrey said. “This is all I dreamt for and prayed for at night. I’m sad that it’s ending, but I’m also happy that I’m choosing my next path in life.”

It’s a bittersweet moment for the Clemson target.

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