Dabo Swinney is at it once again on the recruiting trail. Throughout the summer, the Clemson football program has been on an absolute heater, acquiring elite talent from the high school ranks.
Recently, the Tigers have secured several verbal commitments from numerous high-profile athletes from across the nation. Across multiple outlets, such as 247Sports and ESPN, Clemson’s 2027 class is firmly inside the top 20, along with several other college football bluebloods.
Below is a list of some noteworthy commitments, some of which could fly under the radar as future Tigers.
Jamarin Simmons, Wide Receiver
Jamarin Simmons of Florida has the chance to be an absolute stud for Clemson. Simmons is currently listed as a 5-star wide receiver and the fifth-best ranked at his position, according to 247Sports.
Simmons stands a little under 6 feet tall, but make no mistake — he is a dynamic athlete. Andrew Ivins of 247Sports stated that he has the potential to be a “game breaker for a Power Four program.”
In addition to his football resume, Simmons is a multi-sport athlete, playing basketball and running track and field in high school. He has also been nicknamed “Waffle House” by his teammates because he is “always open.”
That alone should excite those who represent orange and purple. Even more exciting is that multiple recruiting outlets consider Simmons to be the top committed player in the class.
Luke Starcevic, Offensive Lineman
Luke Starcevic is an intriguing commit for Clemson. Hailing from North Dakota, Starcevic plays along the interior of the offensive line, but has also played on the defensive side of the ball.
Like Simmons, he is a multi-sport athlete. Starcevic has a solid frame and has the potential to be a stalwart in the trenches for the Tigers. His commitment is another testament to what Clemson has built with offensive line coach Matt Luke, who continues to show he is an elite recruiter at the position.
Seth Tillman, Defensive Lineman
Gaining Seth Tillman’s pledge was a massive recruiting win for Dabo Swinney. Before committing to Clemson, Tillman was being heavily pursued by programs such as Georgia, Michigan and other elite teams nationwide.
The in-state 4-star prospect gives the Tigers another quality piece on the defensive line this recruiting cycle. According to Andrew Ivins of 247Sports, Tillman “projects as a potential multi-year contributor at the Power Four level.” He is also Clemson’s second-highest-rated commit, according to 247Sports.
Desmond Malpress, Defensive Lineman
Desmond Malpress of Florida was another great pick-up for Clemson. Malpress held 38 offers from top programs across the country but chose the Tigers over other suitors such as Alabama, Colorado and Miami.
Malpress stands well over 6 feet tall, and is not the only defensive edge prospect Clemson has snagged from the state of Florida — the Tigers hold a commitment from fellow defensive lineman Santana Harvey as well.
Jarrell Chandler, Defensive Back
Jarrell Chandler is a 4-star safety hailing from Tennessee. His commitment was a steal for the Clemson coaching staff, as Chandler was hotly pursued by the University of Tennessee, being from Knoxville. Andrew Ivins of 247Sports believes Chandler has “a good combination of burst and agility” and has the potential to be a multi-year starter at the Power Four level.
Julian Cromartie, Wide Receiver
Circling back to the wide receiver position, Juilan Cromartie of Texas is an interesting addition to Clemson’s 2027 class. He is an underrated recruit at his position, standing tall at a slim 180 pounds.
Cromartie is the son of former NFL player and Florida State star, Antonio Cromartie, and he has the chance to be an intriguing developmental piece for wide receivers coach Tyler Grisham.
JiQuan Rogers, EDGE
Another unsung commitment for the Tigers is JiQuan Rogers of Alabama. Rogers received his first Power Four offer from Clemson. After the Tigers offered him, several other programs threw their hats in the ring — Florida, Florida State and NC State, among others.
Like Cromartie, Rogers will most likely be a developmental piece once he gets to campus. His commitment is yet another example of Dabo Swinney’s eye for under-the-radar talent in the high school ranks.
Michael Brandin Gallaway, Kicker
Ranked the No. 2 kicker in the nation from Florida according to 247Sports, Gallaway’s commitment might be overlooked by the casual football fan. However, Gallaway is considered a 5-star specialist according to Kohl’s Professional Camps and could be another standout on special teams for the Tigers.
These eight commitments are just a fraction of the talent Clemson has added in this class. While the class already stands at 25 total commitments, the Clemson coaching staff may not be done yet with former safety commit Seth Williams’ decision still looming.
Clemson has also snatched numerous recruits that Kirby Smart and Georgia were vying for. Some of these players include offensive linemen JJ Brown and quarterback Kharim Hughley, both of whom hail from Georgia.
Only time will tell if this will be a banner class for Swinney yet again.
