Clemson ended up signing four offensive linemen in the program’s 2024 class, though that wasn’t always the plan according to head coach Dabo Swinney.

“As things went out, we kind of started the season saying hey, we might take two, maybe three (offensive linemen),” Swinney said, “and then obviously we had a couple guys that one had to give up football medically with John (Williams), and then we had a graduate that wanted to move on. So, with the guys coming back, we ended up saying hey, we want to try to find another center.”

Clemson found that center, and he’s one from the Tigers’ backyard — and one Swinney is really high on in Watson Young.

A product of nearby Daniel High School, Young was originally committed to Appalachian State but flipped his commitment to Clemson on Dec. 3 before signing with the Tigers on Wednesday when the early signing period opened.

“Man, we went and got a kid right here that we never took our eye off, but we weren’t sure we were going to have a spot,” Swinney said.

Instead of heading to play for the Mountaineers, Young is making Clemson history by becoming the first fourth-generation Tiger football player on record.

Young is the son of Kyle Young, who was a multi-time All-American both on the field and in the classroom, earning on-field All-America honors at center in 2000 and 2001 and matching those honors with Academic All-America status in both years. Kyle is now a Senior Associate Athletic Director at Clemson.

Watson is the grandson of Clemson letterman Ben Watson, and Watson Young’s great grandfather, Ed McLendon, was a member of the 1939 Clemson team that earned the program’s first bowl appearance and first bowl win in the 1940 Cotton Bowl.

“He’s going to be the first fourth-generation Tiger football player. I think that’s really cool,” Swinney said. “His great grandad played here, his grandad played here, his dad played here, and now this kid. He was heading up to App, but really glad it worked out for him to be able to join us.”

One of five finalists for Mr. Football in South Carolina in 2023, Young helped Daniel to a 51-1 record and three state titles in his four years as the Lions’ starting left tackle. But Swinney called him “a true center,” and that’s the position he’ll play for the Tigers.

Young, an SCFCA All-State honoree in 2022 and 2023 who was named to the South Carolina Shrine Bowl team in 2023, will enroll early at Clemson in January.

“A true center, man. He’s played a lot of tackle as well, but he’s going to be a center for us, and just really proud of his development,” Swinney said. “I’ve had a chance to know him his entire life, literally, so I know he’s going to be a guy that’s going to be an outstanding Tiger for years to come.”

To honor Clemson’s special senior class Dear Old Clemson is sellingfootballs signed by 7 of Clemson’s Avengers for only $100.  These limited edition footballs are signed by Thomas, Orhorhoro, Davis, Mascoll, Henry, Murphy and Williams.  Get one while supplies last.