CLEMSON – It’s been a long time since Christian Ingram has been to Clemson.

The 3-star defensive lineman, out of Newton (GA), first visited back when he was in the ninth grade, attending a practice. On Saturday, he was back to watch the Tigers dominate NC State.

Being it was Ingram’s first game day visit, there were a number of things that stood out, particularly how close this team is.

“How well they work together,” Ingram told The Clemson Insider. “Especially getting just a bunch of high school kids in and the way Clemson develops them. It’s crazy. They were so together, so locked in in that locker room. They did everything they said they were going to do. They executed, played hard, played physical. They communicate well. It’s like a family. Full of brothers. They are all together. They are real close.”

However, what really made the visit special was the fact that he came away with an offer. Ingram traveled in hoping that an offer was forthcoming.

“Knowing the way they recruit kids, I was kind of expecting it,” Ingram added. “Usually they like to wait and scout kids up. Get a full evaluation and learn everything about the kid. Then get them on a game day visit. So, I was kind of expecting it, but not fully expecting it.”

Head coach Dabo Swinney took Ingram into his office to inform him of the offer.

“Coach Dabo, he took me in his office and told me they like what they see. He said they like how I am working and how I have been developing,” said Ingram. It was crazy to me. Just to see him person and hear him say that to me, it means a lot.”

The 6-foot-6, 285-pound high school senior has seen his stock really take off in the month of September. He has picked offers from Alabama, Georgia and Florida just in the last couple of weeks.

Next week he will be in Tuscaloosa before an official visit to Vanderbilt on October 19. After that comes an unofficial to Georgia. The recent attention from some of the best football schools in the country just proves that the work he has put in is starting to pay off.

“It just means everything I’ve been working on and everything my coach has been telling me… it’s true,” said Ingram. “Like I got what it takes to be a top a top prospect, especially in college and as long as I just keep working, the sky is the limit for me.”

While Ingram has yet to firm up any timeline for making a decision, he is hoping to sign during the early signing period. Although, before that, he is hoping to get back to Clemson one more time, possibly for an official visit later in the season.

“For sure, for sure,” Ingram said. “Coach (Nick) Eason will probably call me later on (Sunday) and we are going to chop it up for sure.”

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!