By Hale McGranahan.

Five-star athlete Darnay Holmes was in Clemson at the same time last year.

Joined by the Keyshawn Johnsons, Holmes visited Clemson last spring, to watch the Tigers’ final practice before the spring game. They did the same thing on Thursday.

That night, TheClemsonInsider spoke with Holmes, who’s a sophomore at Newbury Park High School in California.

“I got to talk to the coaches more, interact and watch practice as well,” he said. “Every time we go up there, we come right before the spring game, so the practice isn’t that lively. They’re getting their bodies ready for the spring game on Saturday, so they’re walking-thru pretty much, not going full-speed.

“Every time I go up there, it’s a great feeling.”

While on campus, Holmes spoke with Dabo Swinney and Jeff Scott, who serves as the Tiger’s primary recruiter for Holmes and Johnson.

Clemson is recruiting Holmes as a defensive back

“I love the way they run their defense. They’re physical at the line. They know how to get their guys in the right positions to get interceptions,” he said. “I look up to their cornerback (Mackensie Alexander)…he’s definitely a baller. He’s definitely a guy I represent my game after. I had a conversation with him today. I like the way he plays. He’s definitely a guy I play my game after.”

Before their stop at Clemson, the Johnsons and Holmes went to Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Alabama. They’ll be in Nebraska on Saturday for the Huskers’ spring game.

As a sophomore, Holmes had 89 catches for 1,350 yards with 15 touchdowns and 20 carries for 169 yards and a score. On the defensive side of the ball, he had 54 tackles and 15 pass