One of the top offensive linemen in the country camped at Clemson earlier this month.

4-star Carter Scruggs (Loudon County, Leesburg, Va) worked out at one of the opening sessions, coming away with one of the Tigers’ opening offers for the 2026 recruiting class.

“It was an awesome experience,” Scruggs told The Clemson Insider. “Got to tour the entire facility, got to see the stadium. Overall, it was just awesome.”

With Clemson being so selective with who they offer, Scruggs came to camp knowing there were no guarantees, despite the fact that he is widely viewed as one of the Top 150 players in his class and one of the ten-best interior offensive line prospects in the class.

“Definitely a little bit surprised,” Scruggs said about the offer. “I was definitely trying. I was definitely hoping to get the offer, and of course, I had some confidence in myself. But it means a lot to me. I have a lot of family members who went to Clemson. It just means a lot to me.”

“I knew it was difficult, that Clemson was one of the more difficult places to get an offer from. I know they like to take it slow, so no, I was not expecting to get an offer.”

Scruggs also worked out at Notre Dame, Michigan and Penn State, and along with his offer from the Tigers, the Nittany Lions, along with Alabama, Georgia and NC State are among the more than a dozen offers he already has.

When comparing Clemson to some of those other schools, one thing stands out, and that is the culture that resonates inside of the program.

“Definitely, the culture,” Scruggs said. “I think the culture is very unique. It’s just not like that at most other schools.”

Later this year, Scruggs might start trying to narrow the field down and is looking to make a decision before the start of his senior season. As he continues to navigate the process, there are some specific characteristics he is looking for, with development and culture being two of the key factors.

“I think culture matters a lot,” Scruggs said. “Offensive line development. I to be developed into an NFL offensive lineman. The main goal is to get drafted in the first round hopefully. Bigtime football and education. Want to have a good balance between those two, yeah And also, coaching staffs are really important to me. I think a good relationship with the coaches is really important.”

And when asked if he believed offensive line coach Matt Luke checked the boxes when it came to development, Scruggs was quiet clear.

“I definitely believe so. I strongly believe that he can 100-percent develop me.”

A limited number of signed footballs from Clemson’s 2022 class are still available.  Get yours while supplies last!  Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!