Clemson has reinserted itself into the recruitment of Tyler Atkinson.
The nation’s top linebacker, out of Grayson High (Lognaville, GA), made his long anticipated return to campus for this weekend’s Elite Retreat.
While on campus, the staff laid out the very detailed “AtkNup Plan,” something they designed specifically for the five-star talent.
“The visit to Clemson was incredible,” Atkinson told The Clemson Insider. “What really stood out to me was the ‘AtkNup Plan’ they put together for me. They showed me in detail their vision for me there. From getting my degree in three years, my role in the defense that coach (Tom) Allen is bringing, how they can help grow my brand, to everything else.”
With the hiring of Allen as defensive coordinator and Ben Boulware being promoted to linebackers coach, the Tigers have now become a contender for Atkinson.
One of Boulware’s first stops during the contact period was in to see Atkinson. Head coach Dabo Swinney, and safeties coach Mickey Conn, who is a coaching legend at Grayson, accompanied Boulware on the visit.
“They really made me feel like the top priority,” Atkinson added. “It was the attention they gave my family, too. I liked how they made sure my parents and my sister were taken care of and comfortable throughout the day.
Not only is Atkinson considered by many to be the top linebacker in the class, he’s also seen as one of the top players regardless of position, with the Composite ranking him No. 7 overall.
After helping lead Grayson to a 6A state title in the state of Georgia, he was an Army-Navy Bowl participant earlier this year, while also winning the MaxPreps National Junior of the Year Award.
Atkinson finished his junior campaign with 166 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, 46 quarterback hurries, an interception and a forced fumble.
Alabama, Georgia, Auburn and Ohio State are all in the mix, along with Clemson. While Atkinson won’t be an easy pull, after this latest visit, Swinney’s staff certainly now has a seat at the table.
“People always talk about how different Clemson is, and I honestly agree,” Atkinson said. “Clemson’s feel is just different, and they check a lot of my boxes for sure. I had a great time connecting with coach Dabo this weekend. We got to spend a lot of time together building our relationship. I got to shoot some ball at his house and just get to know more about him and his family. Coach Dabo really expressed how important it is for me to be there and that I am his Trevor Lawrence for their defense, which spoke volumes to me.”
Photo courtesy of Tyler Atkinson on X (formerly known as Twitter)