Just over a month after his first trip to Clemson, four-star defensive end [autotag]Xavier Kelly[/autotag] was back on campus in Tigertown.
The Wichita-East rising senior visited with his father on June 1. On Friday, they returned for the fourth-annual All-In Cookout.
“It was good. I got to meet some of the players and current commits. I talked to a lot of the coaches,” Kelly told TheClemsonInsider.
What stood out?
“I just liked the family environment, so everybody was just having fun, getting along with each other. It was a good time.”
Defensive coordinator Brent Venables and defensive ends coach Marion Hobby spent much of the evening at his side.
“They were just giving me a lot of good reasons why I should be here. They feel like they really need me,” Kelly said. “They said it’s perfect timing for me to come to [autotag]Clemson[/autotag], because they really need some players at the position. They’re in need at that position, so they want me to come in.”
Kelly visited Georgia on Saturday for Dawg Night.
Once committed to Kansas State, Kelly is also considering Florida State, Alabama, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Baylor, TCU and Texas A&M.
“I’m going to make my final decision at the Army All-American game. I’m going to take my five officials,” he said.
Could Clemson receive an official visit?
“I’m pretty sure they have a good chance.”
Kelly added that he’ll spend time in prayer, to help determine which school will score his signature.
“Really, it’s going to be a hard decision in the end,” he said. “I’ve just got to do a lot of research, see the depth charts, talk to my parents and make the decision.”
According to Rivals, Kelly is ranked the No. 11 weak-side defensive end in the class of 2016. Rivals also ranks him as the No. 150 overall prospect in the class.