SPARTANBURG – Greer cornerback Troy Pride got word of Clemson’s offer on Thursday night when Will Young pulled him aside.

After talking with his head coach, who’s serving as an assistant on the Shrine Bowl staff, Pride contacted Clemson defensive backs coach Mike Reed.

“(Reed) really just said he wanted to be my coach the next couple of years,” Pride told TCI on Friday morning. “He said he wanted to ask my mom’s permission before it, so I think I’m going to try to get her on a call with him later on today, so we’ll see how that goes.”

Clemson is now in the mix with several schools, including South Carolina, Notre Dame, UNC and NC State.

“It’s big. For them to come on board now, it’s obviously a blessing,” Pride said of Clemson. “All of my offers are a blessing and I’m grateful and thankful for all the schools that have decided to believe in me and extend thousands of dollars for me. That’s always a blessing and I’m always grateful.”

Despite their late arrival to the party, Clemson still has a shot at landing the former Virginia Tech commitment.

“Like I said, when my recruitment comes open, it’s open,” Pride said. “I’m not snubbing anybody. As late as they came, it’s fine. I’m still going to look and see if it’s the best decision for me.”

Notre Dame had him on campus for an official during the fall. NC State hosted earlier this month. Pride hasn’t scheduled any for January.

A myriad of factors will be considered as Pride weighs his options.

“I’m looking at total packages. I’m looking at depth chart. I’m looking at coaches. I’m looking at how well I fit into the scheme. I’m looking at all kind of things,” he said. “I’m just weighing everything, to make sure it’s the correct decision. What I want to study, things like that. I’m putting it all in the pot, to help find the best one.”

Clemson’s status as the No. 1 team in the country helps their cause.

“It does a little bit, because I always want to contend for championships. I like big rings,” Pride said. “Their success, it’s great. They’re having a great season, in the playoff. They’re doing their thing, and that contributes in some aspects. I wouldn’t say that’s a main focus…moving forward, I want to win. I’m a winner.”