Before the calendar flipped from 2015 to 2016, K’Von Wallace was bound for Cincinnati.

The three-star safety from Highland Springs, Va. committed to play wide receiver for the Bearcats last July over an offer from James Madison. At the time, those were his only options.

After helping Highland Springs High School to the Virginia 5A state title, Wallace’s stock took off. In January, he added offers from several Power 5 programs, including Arizona, Virginia Tech, Maryland and Pittsburgh. Clemson, Ohio State and Michigan State also came calling.

Wallace, who recently spoke with TheClemsonInsider, said hard work helped him make the jump from a low-to-mid-tier prospect to an elite one.

After practices, Wallace (6-0, 170) ran extra and refined his technique. After team workouts, he’d lift more weights. He immersed himself in the playbook and became a film junkie.

“My junior year I didn’t start. That’s why my (junior) film was a little shorter — just a lot of hard work, a lot of taking things more seriously than I did last year,” Wallace said. “I was doing the same thing I did last year, but working 10 times harder.”

On Wednesday, he signed a National Letter of Intent with Clemson.

“It’s definitely a blessing having to pick between all these great schools to go to,” Wallace said. “There wasn’t a right or wrong answer. I just had to pick what’s best for me and my family and Clemson was the place for that.”

Jadar Johnson served as Wallace’s host during his official visit.

“The togetherness of the team. How the players get along — I like the way they took me under their wing. They were just talking to me,” Wallace said.

The coaches also made an impression.

“Every single coach has a uniqueness to them. There was a lot of energy with each and every one, especially coach Dabo Swinney,” Wallace said. “He brings a lot of energy to the table. I’m an energetic guy, too. We just clicked.”

On Signing Day, Swinney likened Wallace to former Clemson defensive back Marcus Gilchrist, who played cornerback, safety and nickel for the Tigers.

“I can bring an athlete that’s competitive,” Wallace said. “Amazing ball skills. I’m not afraid to hit. I’m not afraid to go 1-on-1 on the island. I can make plays all around the field that’s a ball hawk. I’m going to be all around the field, swarming to the ball.”