One of the top overall players in the 2027 recruiting class hails right here from the state of South Carolina.

4-star CB Joshua Dobson (Catawba Ridge, Fort Mill) is still just a sophomore in high school but is already considered not only one of the top players at his position but one of the best overall.

Despite being an in-state talent, Dobson has not made many trips to Clemson. He worked out at Dabo Swinney’s high school camp when he was younger and then returned late last month for the Tigers’ blowout win over The Citadel on Military Appreciation Day.

There were several things that stood out on the visit, most notably the coaching staff.

“How passionate the coaches are about the players,” Dobson told The Clemson Insider. “How they are helping them become young men after football.”

One of the coaches that has impressed him so far is cornerbacks coach Mike Reed.

“Coach Reed is a smart guy,” Dobson said. “Can’t wait to get a chance to have more deep conversations with him during this process.”

Dobson already has more than a dozen offers, including Georgia, South Carolina, Arkansas, Tennessee, Texas A&M and Texas. Getting so much attention at a young age is something he’s still learning how to handle.

“I’m still adapting, but most important for me is to continue to stay humble and be myself,” he said. “At the end of the day, I still want to live a normal life and enjoy the process.”

The Tigers tend to be much slower than most when it comes to handing out offers. Clemson won’t even start offering players in the 2027 class until the summer.

Dobson more than understands the process at Clemson, he respects it.

“It doesn’t hurt them at all,” Dobson added. “I think it’s a very prestigious and smart way of going about things because they know what they want. They’re not offering players just because.”

Although, come the summer, that offer from the Tigers is one he’s very much like to add to his ever-growing list.

“An offer from Clemson would mean a lot,” Dobson said. “Because it shows that my hard work is paying off on the field and in the classroom.”

Dobson ranks as high as No. 28 overall, No. 2 among all corners in his class and No. 1 in the state.

He has yet to firm up any timeline for making a decision but he does know what it is he is looking for in a school.

“I’m looking for a family oriented environment,” Dobson said. “A place where the coaches and mentors can help me get to the next level and a place where I can continue to be myself. Can’t wait to see what the future holds.”