Tag: Travon West

Local standout ‘very excited’ for return trip to Tiger Town

A standout local safety is set for a return trip to Tiger Town soon. Travon West from nearby Wren High School (Piedmont, S.C.) plans to make a recruiting visit to Clemson and take in the Tigers’ spring practice on Saturday, March 12. “I’m very …

A standout local safety is set for a return trip to Tiger Town soon.

Travon West from nearby Wren High School (Piedmont, S.C.) plans to make a recruiting visit to Clemson and take in the Tigers’ spring practice on Saturday, March 12.

“I’m very excited to get back and finally get to see the changes that have been made since (Brent) Venables left,” West told The Clemson Insider.

West camped at Clemson last summer before making his way to Death Valley last season as an unofficial visitor for both the Georgia Tech and Wake Forest games.

The 6-foot, 170-pound junior has since stayed in touch with Clemson cornerbacks coach Mike Reed, though West has communicated more of late with Wes Goodwin.

“Just conversations about how everything is going and looking forward to meeting each other in person,” West said of his chats with Goodwin.

Clemson’s new defensive coordinator has already made a good impression on West even though they haven’t met quite yet.

“Coach Goodwin seems like a great coach that everyone can trust and count on to have a good time with,” West said.

Wake Forest handed West his latest offer last week, joining Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Kansas State, East Carolina, Georgia State, Troy, Charlotte, Marshall, Old Dominion and Eastern Kentucky on his offer list. He feels Wake Forest and Kansas State are showing him the most love and recruiting him the hardest at this point in the process.

West played in all three phases of the game for Wren as a junior last season – lining up at safety, cornerback and running back, in addition to seeing action on special teams as a return man – and posted 86 tackles, six interceptions and 709 all-purpose yards.

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Standout in-state DB ‘getting closer’ with Clemson

A standout local defensive back is staying in touch with Clemson and eyeing another recruiting trip to Tiger Town. Clemson is among the schools that Travon West, a class of 2023 prospect from nearby Wren High School (Piedmont, S.C.), hopes to make …

A standout local defensive back is staying in touch with Clemson and eyeing another recruiting trip to Tiger Town.

Clemson is among the schools that Travon West, a class of 2023 prospect from nearby Wren High School (Piedmont, S.C.), hopes to make it to this offseason.

“I don’t have any (visits) planned so far,” he told The Clemson Insider recently, “but I’m looking to get to schools like West Virginia, VT, Clemson, South Carolina and some others.”

West made a pair of unofficial visits to Clemson this season for the Georgia Tech and Wake Forest games. He also made his way to campus last summer to compete at the Dabo Swinney Camp.

The 6-foot, 170-pound junior played in all three phases of the game for Wren as a junior this season – lining up at cornerback, safety and running back, in addition to seeing action on special teams as a return man – and posted 86 tackles, six interceptions and 709 all-purpose yards.

Though West doesn’t currently have an offer from Clemson, the Tigers are showing interest. He continues to communicate and build a bond with Clemson cornerbacks coach Mike Reed, who has served as West’s primary recruiter for the Tigers.

“Just wanting me to get on campus and keep getting better,” West said of what he’s been hearing from Reed.

Virginia Tech gave West his most recent offer in October, joining Virginia, Kansas State, Charlotte, Marshall, Troy and Eastern Kentucky on his offer list.

Right now, West says his recruitment is “still pretty open.” As for when he will render a commitment decision, he said, “I’m thinking early summer as of right now.”

Where do things stand with West and his relationship with Clemson at this point in his recruiting process?

“Getting closer is all I can really say,” he said.

Along with Clemson, West took in game-day visits this season at schools such as Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Coastal Carolina, Appalachian State and Marshall.

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Recruits react to Venables’ departure from Clemson

Following Brent Venables’ departure for Oklahoma to be the Sooners’ new head coach, The Clemson Insider reached out to a bunch of defensive prospects that Clemson has been involved with to get their reactions to the Tigers’ former defensive …

Following Brent Venables’ departure for Oklahoma to be the Sooners’ new head coach, The Clemson Insider reached out to a bunch of defensive prospects that Clemson has been involved with to get their reactions to the Tigers’ former defensive coordinator leaving.

Here’s what some of them had to say to TCI:

Jayden Bonsu, 2023 4-star S, Saint Peter’s Prep (Jersey City, N.J.): “My reaction is that I am not surprised. A lot of coaches have been moving around, but I wish Coach Venables the best because he made the decision which is best for him and his family.”

Troy Bowles, 2023 4-star LB, Jesuit (Tampa, Fla.): “Unexpected kind of, but I understand. I’m happy for him, he deserves it.”

Lewis Carter, 2023 4-star ATH, Tampa Catholic (Tampa, Fla.): “I kind of saw it coming so I wasn’t too much surprised, but I’m glad he got a head coach job and a new opportunity.”

Dee Crayton, 2023 4-star LB, Denmark (Alpharetta, Ga.): “I feel like he has to do what’s best for him and his fam. College football is a business. If that was the best opportunity for him, he did the right thing. I’m happy for him. I wish him the absolute best.”

Grant Godfrey, 2023 4-star LB, North Gwinnett (Suwanee, Ga.): “Absolutely crazy. I thought he was gonna be there a little longer because I’m pretty sure I saw his sons on the team.”

David Ojiegbe, 2023 4-star DL, St. John’s (Washington, D.C.): “Just a huge surprise.”

Jaeden Jackson, 3-star DL, Andalusia (Andalusia, Ala.): “My reaction is like wow and I know Coach V had been on the brink every year with schools trying to lure and pull him away from Clemson. I just hope he doesn’t change his number. But good opportunity for him.”

Moussa Kane, 3-star ATH, Blair Academy (Blairstown, N.J.): “I’m very happy for him and his opportunity. He definitely deserves it and it’s a great program and it does not affect my recruiting.”

Ben Cutter, 2023 LB, East Lincoln (Denver, N.C.): “He’s such a great coach. He deserves the position. I’m excited to see what he does with Oklahoma’s program.”

Travon West, 2023 S, Wren (Piedmont, S.C.): “It’s heartbreaking and a big hit to the Clemson team. I’m sure it was a hard decision for Coach Venables and it took a lot for him to make it. It sucks but as long as he’s doing what’s best for him and he’s happy, that’s all that matters.”

Sammy Brown, 2024 4-star LB, Jefferson (Jefferson, Ga.): “It’s obviously very saddening seeing him leave a great program but he’s going to do great. Oklahoma is going to be a great place for him and he’s gonna do amazing out there. For Clemson, they’ll be fine too. I’m very confident that Coach Swinney will get someone in there that can do the job. He’ll be able to find someone just as good as Coach Venables.”

Ahmad Moten, 2022 3-star DL, Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.): “Great opportunity for him.”

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Latest Clemson visit exceeded expectations of talented local DB

A talented local prospect left Clemson very impressed after his return visit to Death Valley last weekend. Wren High School (Piedmont, S.C.) defensive back Travon West, a class of 2023 recruit, was back on campus as an unofficial visitor to take in …

A talented local prospect left Clemson very impressed after his return visit to Death Valley last weekend.

Wren High School (Piedmont, S.C.) defensive back Travon West, a class of 2023 recruit, was back on campus as an unofficial visitor to take in the Tigers’ 48-27 victory over then-No. 10 Wake Forest last Saturday.

“I really enjoyed it, it was more than I expected,” West said of the visit in an interview with The Clemson Insider. “I really enjoyed the way the defense stood up and just played with their all, all game.”

West, who also attended Clemson’s win over Georgia Tech in September, saw a much different looking Tigers team this time around against the Demon Deacons.

Asked what he enjoyed most about his latest visit to Clemson, West said, “Just the way that the whole team played.”

“And how they seem to have found all the missing pieces,” he added.

West spent the most time with cornerbacks coach Mike Reed while on campus for the Wake Forest game and feels the relationship they’ve been building continued to get stronger during the visit.

“He was excited to see me,” West said, “and we just talked about how things were going and how my season went.”

“He’s an amazing person,” West added. “Gives off a good vibe and works very hard to make his guys better day by day.”

West played both ways for Wren as a junior this season – lining up at cornerback, safety and running back – in addition to seeing action on special teams as a return man. The 6-foot, 170-pounder posted 86 tackles, six interceptions and 709 all-purpose yards.

West received his latest offer last month from Virginia Tech, which joined West Virginia, Kansas State, Charlotte, Marshall, Troy and Eastern Kentucky on his offer list.

Along with Clemson, West made game-day visits this season to Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Coastal Carolina, Appalachian State and Marshall. He was slated to be at East Carolina on Friday for its game against Cincinnati.

West’s two experiences in Tiger Town this season certainly made a strong impression on him.

“They were definitely one of the best,” West said when asked how the Clemson visits compared to those at other schools. “Very outstanding environment.”

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Local standout excited for return visit to Death Valley

Clemson will welcome this standout local recruit back to Death Valley on Saturday for his second unofficial visit to campus in three months. Wren High School (Piedmont, S.C.) 2023 defensive back Travon West is set to attend Clemson’s home finale …

Clemson will welcome this standout local recruit back to Death Valley on Saturday for his second unofficial visit to campus in three months.

Wren High School (Piedmont, S.C.) 2023 defensive back Travon West is set to attend Clemson’s home finale against Wake Forest after previously visiting for the Tigers’ game vs. Georgia Tech in September.

“I’m really excited to get back and experience the surreal environment of Death Valley,” West told The Clemson Insider.

West (6-0, 170) continues to stay in contact and communicate with members of Clemson’s staff, including cornerbacks coach Mike Reed and defensive coordinator Brent Venables.

“They just congratulated me on a good season and the way I performed,” West said of what he’s heard from the coaches lately.

“Our relationship is getting stronger and stronger,” he added.

West played both ways for Wren as a junior this season – lining up at cornerback, safety and running back – in addition to seeing action on special teams as a return man.

“I think it’s been my best season of my high school career,” he said. “I finished with 86 tackles, six interceptions, 709 all-purpose yards.”

Along with Clemson, West has made game-day visits to Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Coastal Carolina, Appalachian State and Marshall this season.

What is he hoping to get out of Saturday’s return trip to Tiger Town?

“I hope I leave with an offer,” he said. “But I’m not going to rush it and let it affect me if I don’t, just being patient.”

West received his latest offer last month from Virginia Tech, which joined West Virginia, Kansas State, Charlotte, Marshall, Troy and Eastern Kentucky on his offer list.

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Local standout says visit to Clemson was ‘truly amazing’

A talented local prospect made the short trip to Clemson as an unofficial visitor for Saturday’s game between the Tigers and Georgia Tech at Death Valley. Wren High School (Piedmont, S.C.) 2023 defensive back Travon West thoroughly enjoyed the …

A talented local prospect made the short trip to Clemson as an unofficial visitor for Saturday’s game between the Tigers and Georgia Tech at Death Valley.

Wren High School (Piedmont, S.C.) 2023 defensive back Travon West thoroughly enjoyed the experience and couldn’t have had a better time on campus.

“I loved it,” he told The Clemson Insider after the visit. “It was truly amazing, and I had a wonderful time from the moment I got there to the moment I left.”

Saturday marked West’s third time taking in a game at Death Valley.

“It was an amazing atmosphere,” he said.

For West, the best parts of the visit were listening to Dabo Swinney’s pregame speech to his team and then getting a close-up look at “the most exciting 25 seconds in college football” as the Tigers rubbed Howard’s Rock and ran down the hill prior to their eventual 14-8 win over the Yellow Jackets.

“The highlight of the visit was being able to go in the locker room and hearing Coach Swinney speak to the team before game time,” he said, “and being able to stand right beside the rock as the team went on the field.”

Piedmont (S.C.) Wren 2023 DB Travon West with Clemson cornerbacks coach Mike Reed during West’s visit to Clemson on Saturday, Sept. 18 (photo courtesy of West)

Clemson cornerbacks coach Mike Reed is the coach that West spoke the most with while on campus Saturday.

“We just talked about how football was going and how life was, just the basics,” West said.

West (6-0, 165) is in the process of building a solid bond with Reed, while also communicating with defensive coordinator Brent Venables, and is optimistic that he’ll receive an offer from the Tigers in due time.

“I believe it’s going good,” he said of his relationship with Reed. “I know that they’re very interested, and him and Coach Venables stay in touch with me on Twitter, but other than that just being patient. I feel it’ll come though.”

West picked up his first offer from Kansas State on June 3 and has since added offers from West Virginia, Charlotte, Marshall, Troy and Eastern Kentucky.

An offer from Clemson and the opportunity to play for the Tigers in Death Valley would obviously be huge for the local standout.

“It would be exciting and would mean a lot to me,” he said.

West has also visited Marshall this season and plans to see games at Virginia Tech, West Virginia and Penn State. He intends to return to Clemson at some point moving forward but isn’t sure yet when he might make it back to Tiger Town.

West participated in the Swinney Camp this past June and also camped at South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Penn State and Marshall during the summer.

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5-stars headed to Death Valley for Clemson-Georgia Tech game

Clemson will again play host to some top prospects for Saturday’s 3:30 p.m. game against Georgia Tech at Death Valley. Here are some of the bigger names The Clemson Insider has confirmed as planned visitors for the Clemson-Georgia Tech game: A …

Clemson will again play host to some top prospects for Saturday’s 3:30 p.m. game against Georgia Tech at Death Valley.

Here are some of the bigger names The Clemson Insider has confirmed as planned visitors for the Clemson-Georgia Tech game:

A couple of headliners among the recruits expected to be in attendance are a couple of five-star class of 2023 prospects in Merrillville (Ind.) Andrean linebacker Drayk Bowen and Pickerington (Ohio) Central safety Sonny Styles.

Styles is the No. 1 safety in the 2023 class according to the 247Sports Composite rankings, which tab Bowen as the No. 2 linebacker in the class.

Bowen is working with a top five that includes Clemson along with Auburn, Indiana, LSU and Notre Dame.

A big-time receiver from the Lone Star State is slated to be on hand for Saturday’s game as well in Del Valle (Texas) four-star Braylon James, the No. 11 wideout and No. 75 overall prospect in the 2023 class, per the 247Sports Composite.

James has built a strong bond with Clemson receivers coach Tyler Grisham.

“Me and Coach Grisham are super close man,” James told TCI recently. “No matter where I go I know I’ll always have a backbone in him.”

Among other notable class of 2023 recruits on Clemson’s anticipated guest list for Saturday’s game are Alpharetta (Ga.) Denmark four-star linebacker Dee Crayton, Piedmont (S.C.) Wren defensive back Travon West, Alcoa (Tenn.) offensive lineman Lance Williams, Perry (Ga.) athlete Jamari Stone and Port Huron (Mich.) Northern edge defender Luke Fletcher.

Clemson 2022 offensive line commitment Collin Sadler of Greenville (S.C.) will also be in The Valley on Saturday.

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Tigers reach out to talented local corner

When the clock struck midnight on Sept. 1, college football coaches could begin directly contacting prospects in the class of 2023 via text messages or direct message on social media platforms. One junior in the 2023 class whose phone has been …

When the clock struck midnight on Sept. 1, college football coaches could begin directly contacting prospects in the class of 2023 via text messages or direct message on social media platforms.

One junior in the 2023 class whose phone has been blowing up since then is Travon West, a talented local cornerback from Wren High School in Piedmont.

“Coaches from many schools have hit me up and let me know I’m at the top of their list,” West told The Clemson Insider.

Clemson coaches are among those who have been in contact with the 6-foot, 165-pound West, who holds half a dozen scholarship offers and figures to have more on the way in the future.

“It feels great, knowing the hometown team is showing interest in me,” he said of hearing from the Tigers.

Wren High School 2023 DB Travon West (pictured left)

Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables and cornerbacks coach Mike Reed have both reached out to West.

“Coach Reed was just telling me to remain humble, always work hard, and block out the distractions,” he said.

In addition to communicating with Reed and Venables by phone, West has had the chance to spend time with them in person when he was on campus for the Dabo Swinney Camp in June and feels they are people he can develop a great relationship with.

“100-percent feel like I can build a strong bond with both coaches,” West said.

“Everyone is energetic and ready to go,” he added of Clemson’s staff in general based on his interactions with them at camp. “They also all treated everyone like they’re family and like they’d want to be treated.”

Along with Clemson, West was able to visit West Virginia, Penn State, South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia Tech this summer, while he plans to see games at Clemson, West Virginia and Penn State during this season.

West’s offer list currently includes West Virginia, Kansas State, Charlotte, Marshall, Troy and Eastern Kentucky. Although Clemson hasn’t yet offered, it is still one of the schools standing out to him at this point in his recruiting process.

“Clemson and West Virginia,” he said.

An offer from the Tigers would certainly have a major impact on the local talent’s recruitment.

“If I were to get an offer from Clemson, it’ll be amazing,” he said. “It’ll definitely shift my recruitment in a big way!”

Clemson has what local standout is looking for

Clemson is showing interest in a local standout that made a good impression on the staff with his showing at the Dabo Swinney Camp in June. Class of 2023 cornerback Travon West (pictured above left) from nearby Wren High School (Piedmont, S.C.) …

Clemson is showing interest in a local standout that made a good impression on the staff with his showing at the Dabo Swinney Camp in June.

Class of 2023 cornerback Travon West (pictured above left) from nearby Wren High School (Piedmont, S.C.) received complimentary feedback from cornerbacks coach Mike Reed after his camp performance and is on the Tigers’ recruiting radar.

“I’ve gotten a couple new follows [on social media from the staff] and just a few days ago Coach Sorrells [Clemson director of recruiting Jordan Sorrells] reached out with a player questionnaire,” West said.

West (5-11, 165) picked up his first offer from Kansas State on June 3 and has since added offers from West Virginia, Charlotte, Marshall, Troy and Eastern Kentucky. Along with Clemson, he has camped at UNC, South Carolina, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Marshall and Penn State this summer.

West expects his recruitment to ratchet up even more come Sept. 1 when college coaches are allowed to begin actively reaching out to 2023 prospects such as himself.

“It’s been going really well,” he said of the recruiting process. “A lot of coaches have been keeping up with me, waiting on Sept. 1.”

Looking ahead to gameday visits during the upcoming season, West said he “absolutely” plans to return to Clemson for a game. His last time in Death Valley was back in 2018 when he witnessed the Tigers’ 56-35 win over South Carolina.

“I really enjoyed it,” he said. “Very live environment.”

West also wants to see games at Penn State, West Virginia, Virginia Tech and North Carolina this season. He feels a trio of schools – Virginia Tech, West Virginia and Clemson – are showing him the most love at this stage of his recruitment.

The local talent is grateful to be garnering interest from Clemson and says the program has what he’s looking for as he goes through the process.

“It feels great, it’s a blessing and dream come true,” West said. “The environment and team itself stands out. It’s truly a brotherhood and that’s what I really look for.”

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