Grenada (Miss.) four-star safety C.J. Avery hadn’t yet visited Clemson when he dropped a list of top schools in early June that included the Tigers.

So, when Avery made his first trip to Clemson about a week later for the Dabo Swinney Camp, his experience confirmed prior sentiment about the school — an affinity for it dating to his childhood — and solidified Clemson’s spot as one of his favorites.

“I’ve been dreaming about playing at Clemson for a long time since I was a little kid,” Avery said. “I actually didn’t visit Clemson before my top 10, so when I did, I knew they belonged in my top 10.

“It was a great experience, just hanging out with the players and being around the people at Clemson, and I got to hang out with coach Dabo (Swinney) some while I was there.”

This summer, Avery has also visited five other schools in his top 10 — Alabama, Louisville, Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Tennessee.

Auburn, Cal, Michigan and Notre Dame are the other schools on the list he announced June 6. Along with Clemson, Avery said Louisville, Auburn, Mississippi State and Ole Miss are recruiting him particularly hard right now.

As for Clemson, Avery is in frequent contact with defensive coordinator Brent Venables, and he has a good relationship with defensive backs coach Mike Reed, as well.

“I have a good relationship with coach Venables,” Avery said. “We talk almost every other day, and both of those guys are cool guys.”

Avery’s primary position is safety, but he can play cornerback, too. The 6-foot-1, 195-pounder is rated by the 247Sports Composite as the No. 212 overall player in the country for the class of 2017, No. 18 safety in the nation and No. 5 player in Mississippi.

After accounting for 69 total tackles, five tackles for loss and five interceptions as a junior in 2015, Avery has his sights set on a big senior season.

“My biggest goal is to win a state championship,” Avery said, “and also to lead the state in interceptions.”

Avery plans to cut down his top-10 list before the season starts, and to commit sometime after the season begins.

As he nears a decision, what is Avery looking for in the schools under consideration?

“Just a place where I’m comfortable, and player development,” Avery said. “Getting developed as a player, and having the chance to play early.”

Avery was an Under Armour All-America game selection in April, and was recently named the first member of The Clarion-Ledger’s 2016 Dandy Dozen.