By Hale McGranahan.

A foot injury brought about an early end to Austin Bryant’s high school career, but the light at the tunnel is very much in sight.

Earlier this week, TheClemsonInsider spoke with the four-star defensive end from Thomas County Central High School.

“I’m almost cleared to go back to training like I was before I broke it,” Bryant said. “I’m in the latter stages of that, so hopefully that will be over with next week.”

Ranked as the No. 29 defensive end in the class of 2015 by Scout, Bryant was in Clemson earlier this month for his official visit.

“I had a good time,” he said. “I got to spend a lot of time with Kevin Dodd and Adam Choice and also Tavaris Barnes, Carlos Watkins — just getting to be around those guys, some of those that are graduating and some of those that will be there next year when I get there.”

Bryant also spent plenty of time speaking with head coach Dabo Swinney.

“I had a chance to sit down and talk with him multiple times during the weekend. We were talking about the preparation for coming in, what I need to do to get ready, so I can compete when I get there this summer,” Bryant said.

What does that entail?

“Basically, just come in and make sure that I’m in shape. That’s the main thing. I’m big enough right now, pretty much kind of ready at this stage, so basically just come in in shape, that’s the main goal right now.”

His six-month commitment to Clemson will become official on Wednesday when he signs and sends in his national letter of intent.

“It feels great,” Bryant said. “It’s a goal that I’ve always had since I started playing football. To be able to sign with a place like Clemson, it’s a dream come true, I’ll say. I’m just ready to get there.”