On Wednesday, National Signing Day, Clemson pulled off an impressive feat that not many programs have in the past.

Dabo Swinney and the Tigers beat out Nick Saban and Alabama — as well as Gus Malzahn and Auburn — for five-star wide receiver Justyn Ross, the state of Alabama’s top-ranked prospect.

The Phenix City (Ala.) Central standout signed with Clemson over finalists Alabama and Auburn on Wednesday afternoon during a school ceremony that was televised live by ESPN2.

“When I was up there, it just felt like family,” Ross said during ESPN’s broadcast of his reason for choosing Clemson. “Even though that I’m out of state, they just made me and my family feel like it was home. It just felt like home.”

Ross took his first official visit to Clemson the weekend of The Citadel game in November before officially visiting Alabama and Auburn on consecutive weekends in January.

Saban used is in-home visit with Ross two weeks ago following his official visit to Alabama. Swinney went in-home with him last Wednesday before Malzahn got the final in-home visit last Friday.

Ross said he appreciated the way Swinney handled his recruitment throughout the process.

“Just how down-to-earth he is and how involved he is with his players,” he said. “That means a lot because I want to have a great relationship with my head coach.”

Ross also said that the Tigers having five-star quarterback Trevor Lawrence on board was a prominent factor in his decision as well.

“It made a great impact because as a receiver, you’re going to need a good quarterback to come in with you,” Ross said. “So with him being there, it made it much easier.”

Ross is ranked by Rivals as the No. 1 prospect in Alabama, the No. 2 wide receiver and No. 15 overall prospect in the 2018 class.