Stone Mountain (Ga.) Stephenson linebacker Tra Wilkins did not get his first scholarship offer until last December. Two months later, the fast-rising 2019 prospect now has close to 20 offers from major programs in tow.

Clemson has not yet pulled the trigger on an offer to Wilkins but is showing substantial interest. The Tigers began communicating with him in early January and invited him to attend their elite junior day on Jan. 20.

Wilkins made that visit and told TCI recently that he is planning to return to Clemson for its next junior day, which will be held on March 3.

“I will be there,” he said.

Wilkins (6-2, 210) has drawn several school visits from Clemson co-offensive coordinator Tony Elliott, his area recruiter.

Elliott and Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables have been in occasional contact since he was on campus last month.

“I talk with them every once in a while,” Wilkins said. “Really they are just getting to know me better and stuff.”

Louisville was the first to offer Wilkins on Dec. 8. Alabama, South Carolina, Georgia, Ohio State, Florida, Auburn and Tennessee all followed with offers within the next three weeks, while schools such as Mississippi State, Nebraska, Michigan and Michigan State threw their hats in the ring last month.

Wilkins feels that an offer from Clemson is forthcoming.

“Very soon,” he said. “I should receive it any time now.”

Wilkins said an offer from the Tigers would significantly impact his recruitment and shake things up.

“It would mean a lot to me,” he said. “It would change a lot.”

Wilkins also visited Alabama in January and is visiting South Carolina on Saturday. He is planning to check out Tennessee and Mississippi State as well.

As a junior last season, Wilkins recorded 75 tackles, including five sacks, along with three forced fumbles and two defensive touchdowns.