CLEMSON – It’s never too early for the Clemson Tigers to make an impression on the recruiting trail. While Clemson is keying in on the 2025 clsss with recent visitors, they’ve made a connection with a talented eighth-grader.

2028 defender Bryce Hurst plays both linebacker and defensive line for Grayson (Ga.) and stands at 6-foot-2, 220 pounds before high school. He’s a physical specimen early on, and he made the trip to Death Valley Saturday.

During his visit, he was impressed by the experience as a whole. It was perfect timing for him to see a Clemson game as former Grayson star Phil Mafah took over for the Tigers in the win over No. 12 Notre Dame. Hurst spoke to The Clemson Insider about his trip to Clemson, and all he appreciated from the weekend.

“the experience was great and very welcoming.I really like the culture and atmosphere there. The fans are top tier too,” Hurst said. “It was exciting! It was also good to see former grayson player Phil Mafah on the field up close.”

Hurst is one of the youngest to make the trip to Death Valley, and he emphasized the connection he built with defensive tackles coach Nick Eason. He’s a players coach and it’s no surprise he and Hurst had strong conversation.

“Coach Eason’s speech during the visit was about accountability and humility. We have to be accountable for our actions on and off the field. Not just making it about football but exceeding in the classroom too. With humility, Coach Eason talked about where he grew up from humble beginnings. It was relatable because I was born in Dublin, Georgia, about an hour away from Toombs County, Georgia,” Hurst said.

There’s plenty of time for Hurst’s recruitment to heat up, but he tells TCI that Clemson will be one of his top schools moving forward. If Hurst continues the current trajectory, the Tigers will have a crucial connection with a strong talent in the 2025 class.

Photo courtesy of Bryce Hurst (@Brycetonhurst) on X