CLEMSON — Some of the returns from Clemson’s big official visit weekend are starting to come in.
Arguably, the biggest name on hand for the event was five-star linebacker Tyler Atkinson (Grayson, GA). He is the lone target at the position, as things stand, and he was the only linebacker present this weekend.
“The overall visit was incredible and more than welcoming,” Atkinson told The Clemson Insider. “It was the meaning of ‘feeling like a priority.'”
Atkinson also visited for the Elite Retreat back in March, which was his first visit to campus in more than a year. With Tom Allen being hired to run the defense and Ben Boulware taking over the linebackers, the blue-chip prospect had a renewed interest in Dabo Swinney’s program.
“Coach Dabo is a different type of coach,” Atkinson added. “I can tell he genuinely wants me there because of how I play the game and the role I can play there, but more importantly, because of the person I am. That means a lot. I can see he leads the team and the program with his heart.”
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. The 6-foot-3, 215-pounder is the top-rated linebacker in the class, and if he were to ultimately choose Clemson, Allen and Boulware have big plans for Atkinson
“The way they plan on playing me in the AtkNup packages on defense really stood out,” Atkinson said. “I really loved the family vibes and the way my family felt there. Also, the potential class of teammates is really strong. Their message to me was very clear.”
Atkinson has been playing his recruitment very close to the vest. He has been tight-lipped regarding his official visit schedule, but Georgia and Ohio State are two of the other schools expected to get one. A decision is expected sometime later this summer.
Photo courtesy of Tyler Atkinson on X (formerly known as Twitter)