How will highly touted true freshmen Amare Adams and Gideon Davidson fit in at Clemson during the upcoming season?

ESPN recently highlighted the top class of 2025 recruits at each position and how they could fit at their respective schools in 2025 (subscription required).

Adams is the No. 5 defensive tackle and No. 56 overall prospect nationally for the 2025 recruiting class, according to ESPN, while Davidson is ranked by ESPN as the third-best running back and No. 59 overall prospect in the country for the 2025 class.

Here’s what ESPN’s Tom Luginbill and Craig Haubert wrote about how they see Adams and Davidson fitting in with the Tigers:

After losing Isaiah Campbell to Tennessee, Clemson responded by signing Adams, a talented 300-pounder with good burst and power who moves well for his size. The Tigers also won’t need to lean on him early. They’ll benefit from the return of 2020 ESPN 300 defensive tackle DeMonte Capehart, who can be both an impact player and mentor for Adams. They share similar tools, and the preparation is underway for Adams to step into that role once Capehart departs.

Davidson excels on zones, split zones and counters, and his great vision and speed should fit nicely into Clemson’s scheme and lead to explosive plays. The 6-foot, 195-pounder isn’t as big as former Clemson running backs Phil Mafah and Will Shipley, but he adds a different dimension as a home run threat. Clemson could utilize him quickly as a change-of-pace, all-purpose back. Davidson’s traits are similar to those of former Clemson star and current running backs coach C.J. Spiller.

Both Adams and Davidson signed with Clemson this past December before enrolling early in January.

A product of South Florence High School, Adams turned heads at the Navy All-American Bowl in San Antonio in January and earned the organization’s Anthony Muñoz Lineman of the Year award, while he was also selected to the South Carolina team for the 2024 Shrine Bowl.

When he signed with Clemson during the December early signing period, Adams had collected 250 career tackles, 40 tackles for loss and 14 sacks in his prep career, including 66 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, four sacks and nine quarterback pressures in his senior season prior to the early signing period.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said after the first week of spring practice that Adams was meeting the hype surrounding him.

“He’s one of those guys that matches up with what everybody says about him,” Swinney said.

As for Davidson, the product of Liberty Christian Academy helped his team to an undefeated season and a second straight state championship as a senior in 2024. Prior to the December early signing period, Davidson was credited with 2,054 rushing yards on 223 attempts (9.2-yard average) with 34 rushing touchdowns in 2024.

When he signed with Clemson with his senior season still ongoing, Davidson had amassed 7,438 rushing yards on 701 career carries (10.5-yard average) with 118 career rushing touchdowns. He was also credited with 606 receiving yards and eight scores on 43 career catches, giving him 8,044 yards from scrimmage.

The 5-foot-11, 185-pounder was named Gatorade Player of the Year for the state of Virginia, as well as MaxPreps Virginia High School Football Player of the Year, in 2024.

Like Adams, Davidson has caught Swinney’s eye this spring, with Swinney saying he believes Davidson is the best running back from the 2025 recruiting class.

“I think he was the best high school (running back) out there – in totality, from my evaluation, when I’m talking about the total package. I think this kid is special,” Swinney said. “But that was high school. He’s got to start right back at the bottom and go prove it. But he’s pretty dang talented.”