Clemson made this talented Tar Heel State prospect feel like family last month during his first trip to Tiger Town.

Rolesville (N.C.) High School 2026 defensive end Zavion Griffin-Haynes made an unofficial visit to campus for the Florida Atlantic game on Sept. 16.

“I really enjoyed it, like the atmosphere and the love the coaches showed,” he said. “They really treat you like family. It was my first time coming up, so I definitely enjoyed being (there).”

One of the things that made the experience so enjoyable for Griffin-Haynes was all that aforementioned love he felt from the Tigers’ staff and fan base.

“I loved it. The fans showed love, coaches showed love,” he said. “It was definitely different than other colleges I’ve been to. That’s definitely top of my radar now.”

The 6-foot-6, 215-pound sophomore feels Clemson is “definitely” interested in him early in the recruiting process, based on what he heard from the coaches he spoke with including defensive ends coach Lemanski Hall and defensive tackles coach Nick Eason.

“They said they loved the film, they just need my transcript,” Griffin-Haynes said, “and just to get more closer to me and getting that relationship.”

Griffin-Haynes holds an offer from Miami (Ohio), and he named NC State, Ohio State, East Carolina and Old Dominion as some other schools showing the most interest in him at this young stage of his recruitment.

As for Clemson, receiving an offer from the Tigers down the road would be a dream come true for him.

“Man, it would be great. That’s definitely a dream school of mine since I was a little boy,” he said. “Tee Higgins and all the great players that came out of Clemson… I feel like Clemson getting me as a student, as an athlete, it’d really impact my life and impact Clemson.”

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