Dabo Swinney entered his early-signing-day press conference wearing his old orange jacket from 2008—and immediately set the tone for a nostalgic, emotional, and defiant celebration of Clemson’s newest Tigers.
“It’s a special day for so many reasons,” Swinney said. “It’s a dream achieved for young people… and it’s a special day for us because we got a group of young men and their families who chose us. That never gets old to me.”
He emphasized the significance of commitment at a time when negative noise surrounded the program.
“When a young man who can pretty much go where he wants says, ‘That’s where we want to be,’ that’s a blessing,” he said. “I don’t take it lightly.”
Why This Class Is “Another 2010”: Loyalty Amid Noise
Unprompted, Swinney compared this class to a pivotal moment in Clemson history.
“They’re similar to my 2010 class,” he said. “These guys stuck with us in the midst of the worst season we’ve had in 15 years. There’s not one person in this signing class that somebody didn’t try to talk out of coming.”
He referenced that 2011 signing group—Sammy Watkins, Grady Jarrett, Adam Humphries, Eric Mac Lain—who committed after a 6–7 season and helped launch Clemson’s modern rise.
“I feel the same way about this group,” Swinney said. “These 19 guys… I believe they’re destined for great things. They bring talent, they bring character, and they bring commitment.”
Class Snapshot: 19 Players, 13 States, 15 Midyears
Clemson signed 19 players on Wednesday:
Offense (12):
QB: Brock Bradley (Ala.), Tait Reynolds (Ariz.)
WR: Connor Salmin (Va./Md.), Shavar Young Jr.? (CB), Correction: WRs are Salmin, Naeem Burroughs, Gordon Sellars
WR: Naeem Burroughs (Fla.), Gordon Sellars (N.C.)
TE: Tayveon Wilson (W.Va.)
OL: Leo Delaney (N.C.), Carter Scruggs (Va.), Chance Barclay (Fla.), Kam Cody (DT)—DL,
Adam Guthrie (Ohio), Grant Wise (Fla.), Braden Wilmes (Kan.)
Defense (7):
DE: J.R. Hardrick (Tenn.)
DT: Kam Cody (Ga.)
LB: Brayden Reilly (Ohio)
CB: Shavar Young Jr. (Tenn.), Marcell Gipson (Texas)
S: Polo Anderson (S.C.)
Special Teams (1):
LS: Jackson Reach (Calif.)
Fifteen of the 19 will enroll in January.
“From California to South Carolina, from Florida to Texas… this class shows you the reach of Clemson football,” Swinney said.
Quarterbacks: The Centerpiece of the Class
Swinney lit up when talking about quarterbacks Brock Bradley and Tait Reynolds, a duo he described as hand-picked after a rigorous process.
“We don’t offer many guys. We’re very convicted in how we go about our decisions,” Swinney said. “These two guys fit everything I was looking for.”
On Brock Bradley:
“He’s kind of Baker Mayfield-ish. He’s a winner. He’s a multi-sport star. He’s not afraid to compete—he looks forward to it.”
On Tait Reynolds:
“One of the most unique kids I’ve ever recruited… an elite talent. He can fly, he’s big, he’s strong, he’s got a cannon for an arm.”
Reynolds’ Elite 11 showing impressed the staff the most.
“He’s never even been a quarterback-camp guy—he’s always been playing baseball. But I think this guy has tremendous upside.”
Receivers: “As Good As Anybody in the Country”
Swinney praised Tyler Grisham’s evaluations, calling this receiver class a “home run.”
Naeem Burroughs
“As good as anybody in the country… great player, great kid.”
Connor Salmin
“Elite, elite speed. As fast a guy as we’ve signed in a long time.”
Gordon Sellars
“A big body with a ton of diversity to his game… coming from one of the best programs in the country.”
Tight End: Wilson Becomes Clemson’s First West Virginia Signee Since the 1960s
Tayveon Wilson
“A five-sport athlete… great athlete, played quarterback this year, just a tremendous addition.”
Swinney added: “He’s my first West Virginia signee—first one since the ’60s.”
Offensive Line: Six New “Dudes” Anchor the Class
This may be the backbone of the entire class.
“What a job Matt Luke has done… we got six dudes pulling in here,” Swinney said.
Highlights:
Grant Wise (Fla.):
“I don’t know that we’ve ever signed a guy better than Grant Wise… looks like a senior in college right now.”
Braden Wilmes (Kan.):
“A true tackle… 6'7", big upside.”
Adam Guthrie (Ohio):
“Every kid I’ve had from Ohio has been a great player… Guthrie fits that.”
Leo Delaney (N.C.):
“Another big-body tackle… we fought hard to get him.”
Chance Barclay (Fla.):
“One of the most dynamic, charismatic young people I’ve ever met. One of the most mature 17-year-olds I’ve ever met.”
Carter Scruggs (Va.):
“Can play tackle or guard… big body… foundation piece.”
Defensive Front: Hardrick and “Mount Cam” Cody Headline the Trenches
J.R. Hardrick (DE)
“When I look at him, I think Andre Branch… similar body type and athleticism.”
Kam Cody (DT)
“Mount Cam… he is a grown man. One of the biggest gifts for our D-tackle room.”
Linebacker: Brayden Reilly Fits the Mold
“He fits the bill for what we were looking for… coming from an amazing program at St. Xavier.”
Cornerbacks: True Clemson Fits With Early Impact Potential
Shavar Young Jr.
“Our very first commit… dynamic athlete… competitor… stuck with us.”
Marcell Gipson
“A true corner who can run… natural ability.”
“Mike’s done a great job at that corner position… these guys have a chance to help us immediately.”
Safety: Polo Anderson Brings Position Flexibility
“He’s unique… hard to put in a box. Size, speed, athleticism. Can do 3 or 4 different jobs in our defense. I think he can help us early.”
Special Teams: Jackson Reach Was the “Top Guy”
“You better have more than one snapper… this was the top guy, and he’s really, really good at what he does.”
Reach arrives in January.
Final Thoughts: “That’s How You Win Championships”
Swinney closed by returning to the theme of loyalty, character, and fit.
“These guys came here even though it wasn’t as sexy to come here this year. They stuck with it. That says a lot about who they are.”
And then the line Clemson fans will circle:
“They’ve got the talent, the character, and the commitment… and that’s how you win championships. And how you repeat championships.”
He ended with appreciation for Clemson’s recruiting staff and excitement to begin “football life” with the newest Tigers.
“Can’t wait to start the journey… all the peaks and valleys. It’s going to be a special group.”